A review by mcbibliotecaria
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos

2.0

I wanted to at least like this book, and the first half I did. But you know when you sometimes enjoy a book and would like to see a sequel, just what happens to the main character after the climax. Half way through the book it occurs, and then you have to sit through another 200 pages of Cesar reflections on his sexual life. Its graphic, crude, and from a male's point of view. Primarily this book is from Nestor or Cesar's perspective, but Cesar, even in his old age is still sexually active and the descriptions, a few very rapey situations, are exhausting to read through. And nothing happens in the second half, except the typical end of life replay of a life (in his opinion) wasted.

First half, more full of music and dropping names. But second half, a long dirty old man history of his sexual conquests.

I loved any and all I Love Lucy references.