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A review by peripetia
You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue
4.0
I have conflicted emotions about this book. On one hand, it is a masterpiece. The way the author interweaves multiple storylines into one narrative is incredible.
Then, on the other hand, I often found myself too confused to even understand what was going on. Am I the only one? Or is no one willing to admit it?
I started collecting my own glossary too late in the book. I don't really understand why this couldn't have been included in the book since we do have explanations for some characters. I understand using the correct terms in their original language and I'm all for it, but it's not much use if you don't know what the words mean, and there are some amazing things here that many readers might not be familiar with.
Then again, sometimes literature needs you to work for it. I read this quite slowly in order to understand not just the plot, but also to appreciate the writing. My intention is to re-read this at some point, and I'm sure I will get more out of it on the second try.
Still, despite being confused, I do think this is a fantastic novel.
Then, on the other hand, I often found myself too confused to even understand what was going on. Am I the only one? Or is no one willing to admit it?
I started collecting my own glossary too late in the book. I don't really understand why this couldn't have been included in the book since we do have explanations for some characters. I understand using the correct terms in their original language and I'm all for it, but it's not much use if you don't know what the words mean, and there are some amazing things here that many readers might not be familiar with.
Then again, sometimes literature needs you to work for it. I read this quite slowly in order to understand not just the plot, but also to appreciate the writing. My intention is to re-read this at some point, and I'm sure I will get more out of it on the second try.
Still, despite being confused, I do think this is a fantastic novel.