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In the Palm of Darkness is to hike through a Haitian landscape dense with spirits, loas, mystery, poverty, disintegrating environmental and social structures, and an elusive, near-extinct species of amphibian. Victor, a herpetologist from the U.S., comes to Haiti to find the blood-red
Eleutherodactylus sanguineus, but cannot escape the emotional alienation he's left behind at home. For Victor's Haitian guide Thierry, the search is a trip into the heart of the heart of his country, family, and himself. Montero also subtly weaves a larger message of worldwide ecological collapse that may be signaled by the (actual) sudden sharp drops in frog populations. This intelligent and intense novel is the first work by the Cuban-born Montero (currently residing in Puerto Rico) to be translated into English. It should not be the last.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
The first English translation for Cuban-born novelist Montero, this short, intense book weaves together the stories and vastly different world views of two men searching for one very significant amphibian. American herpetologist Victor Grigg and Haitian guide Thierry Adrien are on a quest for the elusive and severely threatened blood frog, extinct everywhere but on a dangerous, eerie mountain near Port au Prince. Victor describes their trek as he reflects on his dysfunctional marriage and his scientific obsession. In alternating chapters, Thierry relates his life story, a strange, vibrant history in a land of violence and mystical spirituality. Filled with political, sexual, and religious mayhem, Thierry's story grips the reader, but Victor's relatively ordinary?though still colorful?experience grounds the book and propels the searchers on their fascinating journey. A shocking, absorbing, beautifully written tale from a writer to watch.?Janet Ingraham, Worthington P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
