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A review by tommooney
The Spirit of Science Fiction by Roberto Bolaño
3.0
There's been a fair bit of negativity around this latest of the many posthumously-published novels of the great Bolano. But I think it's a little unfair.
I mean, it aint The Savage Detectives, but even when he isn't at his best you feel you are in the hands of an undisputed genius.
Like a diluted version of TSD, this follows two young, bohemian poets as they traipse around Mexico City trying to confirm the rumour that there are over 600 literary magazines in publication within the city limits.
This is a disjointed, self-indulgent book. But there are enough glimmers of brilliance that it makes it well worth the read for established fans. The prose, as always, is exquisite. And the last section is a brilliantly sustained, highly effective piece of disturbing writing.
I mean, it aint The Savage Detectives, but even when he isn't at his best you feel you are in the hands of an undisputed genius.
Like a diluted version of TSD, this follows two young, bohemian poets as they traipse around Mexico City trying to confirm the rumour that there are over 600 literary magazines in publication within the city limits.
This is a disjointed, self-indulgent book. But there are enough glimmers of brilliance that it makes it well worth the read for established fans. The prose, as always, is exquisite. And the last section is a brilliantly sustained, highly effective piece of disturbing writing.