El dilema de Houdini - Norma Lazo

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El dilema de Houdini - Norma Lazo

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1loreleisiren
Abr 1, 2010, 11:06 am


My very belated thoughts on Norma Lazo's El dilema de Houdini are as follows:

The book centres on three protagonists in Mexico City, all attempting to escape their lives in some way or other. The narrator is trying to escape her grief at losing her partner through therapy and antidepressants. Her closest friend performs magic tricks at a local bar to avoid his overbearing wife, and another friend loses himself in drinking and gambling. Against this plot, Lazo establishes a telling metaphor in the shape of a tiger called Launcelot on the loose in the city, which enters into the story by way of news bulletins, radio announcements and newspapers, casting a long shadow over the city.

I found it a thoughtful, compelling novel which kept me engaged and interested (always a good sign for me when I'm reading in another language!). Lazo's characters are well-drawn, although not overly sympathetic, and their quiet despair and unhappiness is palpable throughout.

One thing that I thought weakened its overall appeal was, as Rosalind has mentioned, her repeated gimmick of listing the drug and dosage every time she takes one. It feels a little cliche, but doesn't detract massively from the fact that this is an enjoyable novel written in spare, economic prose.

I don't have the book with me now, so these comments aren't hugely insightful, but I will add to this as and when thoughts occur to me.

Laura

2amcorrea
Abr 6, 2010, 12:21 pm

This is great, thank you! Very helpful for those of us who have yet to read it.

Now to finally finish my thoughts on Neuman...! :)

Ana María

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