I'm off to the library in a moment because it actually has three copies of Roberto Bolano's novel The Savage Detectives. I told Richard, who's hosting the group read along with Rise, that this must be some sort of sign as our local library rarely has anything for people who don't crave Nora Roberts.
Anyway, the 2011 Roberto Bolano Reading Challenge will be drawing to a close while at the same time 'ushering' in the new year with the group read of The Savage Detectives. Richard says,
For those not very familiar with the work, The Savage Detectives is the 1998 novel/pistol to the head of magical realism that provided the commercial and critical breakthrough to set the Chilean Bolaño on his path as the most important writer to come out of Latin America since Gabriel García Márquez. Many Bolaño fans consider it Bolaño's best work--yes, even better than his posthumous, much more critically-lauded 2666--and while I won't get into that argument here, I can see why some people might feel that way given its livewire writing style, narrative experimentation, and scabrous humor.
How can you say no to that? I can't, and so I'm off to the library as initially stated. Perhaps you'll join us?
I must, must, must read Bolano. Must.
ReplyDeleteVery tempted!
ReplyDeleteLove the new look of your blog!!
Very happy with the new template. The last one was difficult for me, with the bar on the left and main postings on the right. I always had to physically move my chair to get myself positioned in front of the main column!
ReplyDeleteI thought maybe you'd been reading so much Japanese literature it was affecting your page placement! ;)
Happy New Year!
You changed your template!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteNow off to read your post. ;)
Natalie, I agree! I've not read but one work of his. I hear he's rather difficult, but I've not known Richard and his friends to read anything 'easy'. Georges Perec was not a walk in the park, either. ;)
ReplyDeleteSuko, it's wonderful to see what other book lovers can bring to our lives. I feel so enriched by going outside of my normal zones. (Glad you like the look. Again.)
ReplyDeleteLinda, I feel terrible! I remember a few years ago when you told me that the black background made it difficult to read; I've stayed away from dark backgrounds since. Now I'll stay away from a left column alignment. In fact, I really like the signle column for keeping things so simple. Anyway, sorry you had to literally move your chair.
ReplyDeleteLes, I know! See, you were right!
ReplyDeleteBellezza, love your new look on the blog :) As far as Bolano goes, I have two of his books, but have yet to read them. I definitely need to pick up one of them this year and give it a go. This group read sounds like fun, but not sure I have the time for it right now. Looking forward to your thoughts on his work though :)
ReplyDeleteLove Bolano & considered taking part in this, but at the moment don't have the time, but it's a great book & as I've read & posted on it, will be following your,thoughts with interest.
ReplyDeleteYou've convinced me! Just picked it up from the library :)
ReplyDeleteWhile I put this on hold at the library, I already have so many reads going on in January, that I'm not sure I'll actually get around to reading it, so I haven't officially signed up. Hopefully!
ReplyDeleteNadia, the only Bolano I've read so far is Monsieur Pain. It was quite atmospheric as I recall. I'm interested in learning more about his writing, and with a group read I'm sure to do just that. It'll be fun to share thoughts, as you say. (Glad you like the new look. xo)
ReplyDeleteParrish, it is hard to find the time. I try to not to overcommit to challenges for just that reason; group reads are a bit easier to fit in, although I'm saying that without having gone back to work yet. January promises to be insane with report cards added to my duties.
ReplyDeleteCol, isn't it wonderful when the library has exactly what one is hoping for?! Glad you found it and plan to join in!
ReplyDeleteSimplerpasttimes, maybe you'll find time. If not, the discussion is sure to be interesting. I know I'll be learning something reading everyone's thoughts! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove your new header pic., Bellezza. A new image for the new year? Fresh and artsy, yes! Now, just to let you know, I've finished Kawabata's The Sound of the Mtn. and thinking about how to approach the review post. I'll definitely post that before the deadline. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Arti, Kawabata's not easy to review. I don't think I wrote anything for the Thousand Cranes, although I loved it. I didn't know how to put into words what he'd written about. It was more that I experienced the story than read it, if that makes sense. Anyway, looking forward to what you come up with, as usual (and glad you like the header).
ReplyDeleteI saw about this event a while back and was VERY tempted as the book is on my shelf. But it's such a chunkster - no way (Jose) that I'll be able to read that in 1 month!
ReplyDeleteWishing you lots of fun with the readalong though! :) And best wishes for 2012!
Gnoe, it is rather daunting both in length and in content. Thanks for the good wishes in this read-along; I think I'll need them!
ReplyDeleteAnd, God bless you in 2012.
Why oh why oh why there is so many readalong and hosted event for January!!! :) I'll try, because I really do want to read the book as a book but have got 1Q84, Dickens, My Cousin Rachel and etc to get through this month! :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't say no! I'm afraid that I may not finish the book by the discussion weekend but I'm going to make a huge effort to do so. And even if I don't, I'm loving the book so far and hopefully will be pretty far a long in ti.
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!
Bellezza, so glad that you're considering this and I hope it turns out to be much more satisfying to you than your first Bolaño! He's not a writer for everybody to be sure (then again, who is?!?), but at least this will give you a taste of the novelist in his prime creativity-wise. Cheers!
ReplyDelete