Reading some reviews about this book after I read it makes me realise why I couldn't make heads or tails of it. Not that it really mattered of course as there is some brilliant writing and I was quite content for this book to wash over without extracting much meaning. Now I know it is made up of fragments and is an uncomplete/unfinished by the author everything makes a bit more sense. It really didn't bother me though and I'd be likely to pick up an author-intended book later. These South American books have a tendency to make me feel ill educated anyway as they toss around poets and classical writers as if everyone has heard of them and read them... The fact that Bolano mixes real and imaginary writers together was intresting and I was a tiny bit disappointed to find out one of the authors he talks about was in fact imaginary as he sounded interesting enough to try and look up afterwards! :) Odd reading. But enjoyable. Not bad. Not great. Definitely convoluted and not my favorite narrative, but certainly captivating enough with regard to the Professor and his daughter Rosa and his lover Padilla. There are some riveting parts in this unfinished novel and others you just might skip, depending on your urgency to finish it so you might read the next book on your list. Bolano is one of my favorites, and this was worth the read, to some extent. His satirical list of famous poets, and what they are famous for, is hilarious. His knowledge of literature is astounding. But the main narrative, re: the professor and his daughter Rosa and Padilla--most intriguing aspect of the novel. HIs digressions are never dull.
an English translation of an unfinished last novel by Bolano coming soon? Yes please.
—trionix
I won this book here on Goodreads as a FirstReads giveaway. Review upon completion.
—Lynn
I loved it, as I have every single Bolano's work...
—Venenas
Se supo: Arcimboldi era él.
—emma
A must for any Bolano fan.
—Saru
