Questions About 2666

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Answered Questions (6)

Can anyone who has read the book tell me at what point this so-called 'amazing' Bolano story grabs you?

Heinrich Dahms I think Bolano is like Zen: if you're looking for a point, you've missed it by definition and there's no point continuing. It's a waste of time. More …moreI think Bolano is like Zen: if you're looking for a point, you've missed it by definition and there's no point continuing. It's a waste of time. More importantly, it's ok not to like this kind of writing; it's not a bad reflection on you. Personally, when I pick a book up, I know by the end of page 1 whether this book is worth my time or not - if not, I put it down pronto and will never pick it up again. Life is too short to waste on literature or human relations that don't work for you. It's personal and that's ok. Me, I love every word Bolano writes. I couldn't be less bothered that it's an unfinished story - which it definitely is - the joy for me is in the journey. I simply love the way this writer thought and the way he conveyed his thinking in his writing. If I could be a writer, this is how I would want to write. It's pure 'ding-an-sich' - the writing is the purpose - the joy is in the journey - I do not need a higher purpose. It's like good poetry or music to me and I need no further reason to enjoy it than that I am enjoying it. I marvel, sometimes cackle out loud at his expressions, his constructions, his observations (AND I'm not even reading it in the original language, so the translation must be great too !). So anyway, my advice is: if it doesn't resonate straightaway, why waste your time? Throw it away, go for a walk, have glass of wine, whatever. Life's too short to waste on stuff that does't work for you and that's ok. And a tip: If you don't like Bolano, I would strongly advise you against trying to read Jose Saramago: I get the same pleasure out of reading him as Bolano, so those of you who don't like Bolano will probably also find Saramago's writing "pointless". (less)

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Andrea Luzuriaga Si no te gusto Los Detectives Salvajes, es poco probable que te guste este, en mi opinión. Mantiene bastante el estilo de escritura, pero aparte es in…moreSi no te gusto Los Detectives Salvajes, es poco probable que te guste este, en mi opinión. Mantiene bastante el estilo de escritura, pero aparte es incluso mas tedioso.(less)

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So far it is a rigmarole with sporadic chances of three-some, that is 14 percent into the story. I don't know how many pages as I am reading it in Kindle. They are in Mexico City now. Yes, when this 'amazing Bolano story grabs you as promised?

Lisa Never. Sorry to disappoint you.

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I read until page 272 and left it. I am probably wrong, but I just feel that the author thought too much of his craft. Anyone can give me a reason to finish it? Thanks

Julio I think one of the most important aspects of this book is the commentary it has of mexican and the "macho" culture. The book is not an usual book in t…moreI think one of the most important aspects of this book is the commentary it has of mexican and the "macho" culture. The book is not an usual book in the sense that it doeesn't have a linear structure and the characters don't appear and reappear in every part. Each story is its own. What happens on the first part (The part of the critics) is not directly connected to the other parts, except for two themes: the femicides of Santa Teresa (ciudad Juarez in real life) and the search for Archimboldi (although this is mostly seen on the first and last part of the book). Bolaño uses many resources that hint at what is going on in the city and why. He doesn't pretend to give you a concrete answer. This is not a "whodunnit" mystery. Not even close. What Bolaño's trying to do is exposing many of the aspects in the mexican and global society that lead to this kind of events. He criticizes the way men behave and the way they see women. This is not done in a really explicit way. You have to pay attention and you will see what i'm taliing about. On "The part of Fate" you will see some of the things i'm talking about.

I recommend you finish the book for this. It is also worth noting that the stories may not have a direct connection, but this has a purpose. Bolaño's proposal for his literature was quite interesting: he wanted to make "the novel as life itself". Life is not always coherent and lineal and horrible things happen in a day to day basis. This is what Bolaño with his books tries to do. You can see it in "The Savage Detectives" and on this one. Many enjoy this, many don't. I, personally, love it. He is my favorite writer and this is my favorite book. I hope that you can finish it and see the value in it. Is not an easy read, especially "The part about the crimes", but i feel that its necessary. Best of luck. (less)

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how can you read books on good reads?

Pauline You can't. Goodreads is just for keeping track of books you have read, reading reviews, etc.
…moreYou can't. Goodreads is just for keeping track of books you have read, reading reviews, etc.
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