2666

I rarely give up on books: I gave up on this one shortly after part one. It’s a shame because the writing is of high quality; and the themes are tantalising, to the extent that you crave some insight. But that insight isn’t is forthcoming. And there is nothing to redeem it: the characters are wafer thin , tedious, or just wilfully odd; there is no connectedness in the parts of the writing that compels you to stay with it. In the end I couldn’t endure. I have to conclude it is one heavy load of pretentious nonsense .

Where do you start to review a novel of 893 pages? Well, let's begin by saying that reading Bolano is like viewing an exquisite painting; a triptych by Hieronymous Bosch, perhaps. Bolano's prose is the work of a true craftsman, and is both beautifully written and sensitively translated into English. His story-telling is superb, and the novel covers a wide range of themes and settings - from the introspection of European literary academics, to the drug wars of Mexican narcotic cartels, to the ruthless administrative efficiency of the Holocaust in Eastern Europe in 1945, and many other dramatic scenes. Breaking up the novel into five individual stories which converge in the final sections is a real masterpiece. His recurring motifs are intriguing, with all sorts of oddities - very tall people, people missing limbs and eyes, age gaps between lovers, and, of course, murder. Lots of murder, much of it very explicit and gruesome, and not for the faint-hearted. Altogether, a fascinating novel and undoubtedly one which the reader should go back to - definitely one of those novels which will benefit from a second and third reading to unlock the subtleties and cement the connections. Fantastic - treat yourself.

Astonishing. Quite possible the finest novel ever written. In many ways it exposes the sentimentality and shallowness of current publishing, “authors,” and storytellers. In every way this book is remarkable as it narrates the human condition to us in all its beauty and brokenness, drawing the reader towards our own condition. Bolaño tells us the truth, and it is up to the reader to decide whether they are willing to hear it. Read it and listen well.

Five novels, over 900 pages - this certainly isn't a relaxing read. But if you're interested in where literature is today, this is probably an essential one. I'm not going to discuss the plot, partly because that's already been done here and partly because this is not a work that's about plot. Never an easy read, it demands the reader work at the text in the same way that a T.S.Eliot, a Dante or a Baudelaire does.Replete with images, mythic resonances, historical and cultural allusions, this is ultimately a rich text that builds up layer by layer, and meaning resides as much in what isn't said, in the interstices of the story, as it does in what is said. This is the kind of book that will appear on university syllabuses for courses on modern and post-modern literature; and I would guess it won't be long before theses will start to be written on it.I'm not sure that I would exactly say that I enjoyed reading it, but even while reading it I felt that it was important. So don't expect a gripping, just-one-more-chapter read, or a linear plotline - this is far more leisurely and diffuse. But its power builds up surely as you become immersed. An undoubtedly authoritative achievement, but unlikely to be a book that people have an emotional love for.

A friend of mine recommended 2666 as the best book he had read. At a number of points throughout this book I thought 'he is crazy' but in many many others I thought 'he is spot on'. This is not a book that can be described as easy. It is very difficult in parts, and it takes a lot of risks. But by taking these risks it weaves together something that I think is almost magical. This magic has reinvigorated my love of reading, something that has been dulled by reading too many bland books, often thrillers. These books are like eating crisps, you feel ok for a few minutes and then feel empty. Reading Bolano is like going to a walk in the mountains, it can be tough but in the end makes you feel so alive.