joshbriggs 's review for:

The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

4.0

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Probably the most "literary" style book I've read this year, and it took me a while to get through it, admittedly. But I went ahead and gave it 4 stars, because the writing is gorgeous, and the story is great. Though I would've taken about 50 or so pages out of the middle. Anyway, an interesting look at the fate of poets, and really artists in general. A book full of moments of brilliance, some great characters (the fully-realized, and my favorite, Quim - so keep an eye out), and enough thoughtful, self-refelecting moments to make me write down quotes here and there. I am too tired to be writing this review. Check back later, and maybe it'll be better. How fucking tragic. In the meantime, pick up this book. My only complaint is too much name-dropping, though when it happens it's necessary to the character. But yeah, it's a little much.