A young woman in Mexico City, a translator and mother, tries to write a novel while looking after her two children. She recalls her earlier years in New York, where she worked as a translator and became obsessed with an obscure poet, Gilberto Owen, who also lived in the city. Valeria Luiselli writes in short sections that merge the narrator's life with that of Owen, and that blur the line between past and present. The prose is witty, restrained and full of literary references.
Readers who like short, intelligent fiction about writing, motherhood and the city will find an original debut. It suits those who enjoy fragments and the idea that a person can be haunted by another life.
Open-ended and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2011
- Language
- EN
