Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Aqualusa


Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: FictionPages: 180Challenges: 9 books for 2009 – Distance (click here to see the distance)
New-to-me author? Yes
Author's website


 



Simple Description

I wasn't sure how to describe this book, I couldn't find a good description on the author's website, so I stole the following from Amazon:

From Publishers Weekly

Lovers of stylish literary fiction will rejoice at this charming tale by Angolan writer Agualusa. The elegantly translated story is narrated by a house gecko named Eulálio, who in brief, vignette-like chapters, reminisces on his life (and past life) and observes the home of Félix Ventura, an albino Angolan who makes his living selling fabricated aristocratic pasts to newly successful citizens of the war-torn former Portuguese colony. Photojournalist José Buchmann pushes Félix's occupation into harsh reality when José looks into the past Félix has created for him, and the story shudders to a climax when Félix's allegedly fictitious history collides with reality. Eulálio is a lovable narrator, alternately sardonic and wistful; his dreams are filled with regret and powerlessness. Félix is an equally sympathetic subject, complicated by his loneliness, his fondness for prostitutes, his insistence on the honor of his trade despite its scalawag nature, and a late-blooming sweet love story. The novel's themes of identity, truth and happiness are nicely handled and span both the political and the personal. It's very touching, in a refined way. (June)

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Why did I read this book?

I thought it sounded good and I was sent the book to review.

What I liked most:

Short chapters. No really, I love short chapters.

Was there something I didn't like?

I was very confused in the beginning, I didn't actually start liking the book until the end.

Do I recommend the book?

I'm not sure. As I said above, the beginning was very confusing for me. I didn't actually like the book until the end. Through most of the book I was thinking, well, this book is ok but I don't really get it. When I finished it, I changed my mind and felt like I did enjoy it. Would I read it again though? No. I do think this would be an excellent book to read with a group or in school, where you have somebody to discuss it with. On my own, I feel like I didn't understand it and "get" most of it.


 

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.


 


 


 

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

7 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I think I'll skip this one.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Chris this sounds like one I'd like. Thanks for posting. BTW: I just remembered that I signed up for the COZY challenge, guess I better select some books, before I pack them all for the move...LOL

Unknown said...

bermudaonion - Yeah - it wasn't really for me but I could see a lot of others liking it.

Diane - I hope you do like it. haha - and do keep those books out for the challenge!

Ladytink_534 said...

Haven't heard of this book or its author before! Sorry you had trouble with it, love the cover though :)

Unknown said...

ladytink - oh yes - I do like the cover.

Isabel said...

Thanks for being in 9 for '09!

Isabel

tea said...

Ok, I am ready to start my Cozy Challenge for 2009. I am going to read six cozies. Now to pick my cozies out. See ya' later. Wish me luck. I wish all of you luck and congratulations to those who have finished.