Synopses & Reviews
Review
"“Fuentes does not cease to amaze. This latest work is an uproariously comic novel that deals head on with many of the gravest issues of 21st-century Mexico . . . The reader marvels throughout that the author of this fiercely perspicacious and laugh-out-loud funny novel is in his eighties: Fuentes’s familiar wit and breadth of experience are here in spades, but he also packs a high-velocity edginess worthy of a writer a third his age.”" Library Journal, starred review
Review
"“Fuentes does not cease to amaze. This latest work is an uproariously comic novel that deals head on with many of the gravest issues of 21st-century Mexico . . . The reader marvels throughout that the author of this fiercely perspicacious and laugh-out-loud funny novel is in his eighties: Fuentes’s familiar wit and breadth of experience are here in spades, but he also packs a high-velocity edginess worthy of a writer a third his age.”" Library Journal, starred review
Synopsis
In this comic novel of political intrigue, Adam Gorozpe, a respected businessman in Mexico, has a life so perfect that he might as well be his namesake in the Garden. But there are snakes in this Garden too, and in order to save his relationship, his marriage, his life, and the soul of his country, he may have to call upon the wrath of the angels to expel all these serpents from his Mexican Eden.
Synopsis
In this comic novel of political intrigue, Adam Gorozpe, a respected businessman in Mexico, has a life so perfect that he might as well be his namesake in the Garden of Eden--but there are snakes in this Eden too. For one thing, Adam's wife Priscila has fallen in love with the brash director of national security--also named Adam--who uses violence against token victims to hide the fact that he's letting drug runners, murderers, and kidnappers go free. Another unlikely snake is the little Boy-God who's started preaching in the street wearing a white tunic and stick-on wings, inspiring Adam's brother-in-law to give up his job writing soap operas to follow this junior deity and implore Adam to do the same. Even Elle, Adam's mistress, thinks the boy is important to their salvation--especially now that it seems the other Adam has put out a contract on Adam Gorozpe. To save his relationship, his marriage, his life, and the soul of his country, perhaps Adam will indeed have to call upon the wrath of the angels to expel all these snakes from his Mexican Eden.
About the Author
The author of more than a dozen novels and story collections, Carlos Fuentes is Mexico's most celebrated novelist and critic. He has received numerous honors and awards throughout his lifetime, including the Miguel de Cervantes Prize and the Latin Literary Prize. Included among his books are Terra Nostra, Where the Air Is Clear, and Distant Relations.Alejandro Branger is a writer and filmmaker. He lives in New York City.Ethan Shaskan Bumas wrote the story collection The Price of Tea in China, which was a finalist for PEN America West Fiction Book of the Year. He teaches at New Jersey City University.