If you're like me and want to read like Richard, Parrish, Stu and Frances when you grow up, you might have to obtain some books which are beyond your general purview. Books like A Void by Georges Perec. Parallel Stories by Peter Nadas. And The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano.
I was all excited when I found The Savage Detectives in our local library. I went out late in the night to get it, as a matter of fact, while still on Christmas vacation. I eagerly opened the first page, read about ten more, and threw up my hands in despair. Stymied, again. (Like the first time I read something by Haruki Murakami.) Faced with terms I couldn't define (such as visceral realism), countries I've never visited, and authors or poets I've never read before, I felt at such a disadvantage that I put the book on my return-to-the-library pile and hoped to forget about my failure.
Until Richard emailed me back. Among other comforting words, he left me this paragraph which helps immensely:
Anyway, the first and third parts of The Savage Detectives (the ones written in a diary format) are kind of traditional in the sense that they become plot-driven with a more or less linear trajectory. The crazy cast of characters and all the writer talk is often over the top, so it may be hard to decipher at all times when Bolaño is mocking or telling truths through the narrator. One important thing to be aware of is that the narrator is a teenager who is in effect describing a certain time period in Bolaño's own life in mid-1970s Mexico City. The Belano and Ulisses Lima characters are fictionalized versions of Bolaño and his best friend, the poet Mario Santiago, who along with many of the other characters in the novel, belonged to a group called the infrarrealistas; these poets, dropouts, artists, etc. terrorized poetry readings much like the visceral realists do in the book. This was a generation of bohemians still influenced by '60s youth culture, and the story the narrator tells is in large part a coming of age story set against this countercultural environment.
I picked up the novel again last night, determined to proceed, and now find myself near page 100 eager to get back to the story tonight after work. So:
- Thank you, Richard.
- Don't be discouraged other readers, if you were, because there's hope.
- I'm now looking forward to the discussion at the end of the month.
Hurray! Glad you're forging in and enjoying it. I'm rereading it for Richard's readalong so I knew what to expect - it was an adventure the first time through, that's for sure. I'm looking forward to the discussion. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes a little encouragement goes a long way. I read Bolano's 2666 and it was a brutal book in so many ways and it took me months to get through it but in the end it was worth it. I've got Savage Detectives but am not reading along, I have too many other books in progress at the moment. Still, I hope to get to it sometime this year. Now that you've found your way into the book I hope you continue to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you didn't let the book get the best of you Bellezza. I know you can get through it - I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it when you finish it. In fact, reading your post has me wondering if I should give it a go - the email Richard sent you makes it sound like quite a read.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I'm glad you got a shot of confidence and returned to it. Can't wait to read what you think of this one as it's on my "list."
ReplyDeleteMay I at first say Thank you, It's not often I'm called an adult & in print ( you wait till I show my wife). I'm glad you're not giving up on it as it's a great read & I'm glad Richard was there to support you, Will be following with interest your reading of this book, as this book is one of the reasons I started The Parrish lantern.
ReplyDeletePS. Promise not to tell anyone, but I was on a bit of a slump, reading cheap generic thrillers, when I picked This book because of the title The Savage Detectives, well imagine my surprise as I started reading it.
Why do you think that worked? Just the general encouragement, or some specific piece of information in Richard's email?
ReplyDeleteTom, I think it's both; I needed more background knowledge for the story to gel in my mind. I also needed the encouragement to persevere. I highly respect you, and the others, for reading such quality literature. Blogging has introduced me to authors and genres I've never tried before, and it has greatly enriched my horizons. But, that hasn't always been easy. Sometimes, I'm quite intimidated by what you read and your reviews.
ReplyDeletemany thanks for your kind word ,I found it hard to start with to but I think once you get Bolanos rhythm in this book and I feel this book has a rhythm to it a bit like mexico it s slow at times then it speeds up ,all the best stu
ReplyDeleteI read part of Savage Detectives before but was not able to finish distracted by other books. 2666 had been on my bedside table for a while with other books.
ReplyDeleteI like Bolano's imagination.
"If you're like me and want to read like Richard, Parrish, Stu and Frances when you grow up, you might have to obtain some books which are beyond your general purview."
ReplyDeleteI was nodding my head as I read that sentence. It's great to see readers encourage each other.
Vasilly, I didn't mean to be exclusive with that comment. As it occurs to me, all of the people that I blog with read stimulating, interesting things. It's just that those four in particular read stimulating, interesting and difficult things. ;)
DeleteMust try Bolano at some point; I'm sure he'll appeal to my style of reading :)
ReplyDeleteTony, you probably will like him a lot. (However, he's not my favorite cup of tea. He seems rather esoteric.)
ReplyDeleteHi Tony try By Night in Chile, or my personal favourite the short story collection Last Evenings on Earth, they'll give you an idea before plunging in (Like I did)to the likes of The Savage Detectives or 2666.
ReplyDeleteBellezza, hiding your light behind a bushel, I've several comments on posts I wrote about this writer that were insightful & as valid as any mutterings of mine own, SHAME on you girl, hiding your intellect
Parrish, I don't get it. How am I hiding my intellect?
ReplyDeleteHi Bellezza, merely me with an attempt at humour to state that your just as smart as all of us in your opening lines, I've been following you for nearly 3 years & you have written insightful posts about books that I've gone on to read & that you've written comments about writers like & including Bolano that perfectly nailed what makes that writer.
DeleteI made to 100 pages from the end of Savage Detectives and then gave up. I a little ashamed to say. I did keep the book and I do intend to try it again someday. I remember loving the first 200 pages right off the bat. I think this book is one that will take two or three attempts before I discover that I love it.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what happened to me! Wait until you see my 'review' post (anecdote of my experience and summary of my thoughts) at the end of the month. We'll have to talk then, but in the meantime I'm greatly comforted to know that I'm not alone.
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