...fantasy within fiction, eroticism within contempt for societal `norms'....

this compelling book is an erotic lace-work of the extremely hedonistic yet solitary don rigoberto's mind of absurd surreal life as insurance drone to his idealistic romance with his wife lucretia. interrupted by devil-child.

the themes within themes of this book are highly complex, including an intriguing introduction to egon schieles' artistry. the surprises are endless, as are his essays from life-as-defined-by leisure to the erotic affects of urination.

it is hard to summarise this novel. it covers so many issues that it is a wonder it is only contained within 259 pages. i was craving so much more at the end. mario vargas llosa is a genius once again.

...of a disturbed yet literal-minded intelligent child and how he sees the world. dark disturbing undertones throughout, in reference to his days in the quiet room... the adult world that is so out of touch with him. can't communicate and respect him.

reminded me of girl interrupted, and while she was older, it has the same treatment of extra-ordinary individuals as so-called disturbed people who `need' phsychiatric help. heart-breaking, but with such wry sardonic humour, we forgive howard his painful authenticity because he brilliantly creates this child's voice for all to learn from.

so, ok, a lot of her descriptions are trite obfuscations of `setting' and character development is weak, but who cares.

getting to the meat of the story lines, there are some very applicable erotic arousing scenes of one-on-one sadism/masochism and sexual `torture'. it was really an eye opener for me about the relationship between master/slave, that is obviously an element in our society today. at first reading i was drawn in, but quickly started to flip faster to the very explicit sexual parts. a most enjoyable book, in terms of it's quaint period setting and possible arousing segments. and i think almost anyone can read it and `find' something that too lurks in their heart of hearts...

this is a classic tell-all, coming of age story in 1700's europe: rousseaus' mother dies at an early age, and through his imagination and melancholic pursuits, and once his father's hands-off approach ensues, he is left to seek beauty and justice elsewhere.

rich with detailed observations of life, people and his place in the world, it is a wonderful introduction to the man rousseau.

persecuted for later writings and publishment of his philosophy, i.e. the social contract, among others (and much like de sade and huxley} he still found a small niche of support in his time.

other related authors/books i would recommend: the first man, albert camus; aldous huxley; mario vargas llosa.