By Night in Chile (general discussion with spoilers)

Just wrapped this one up a few days ago and I’m still reeling from the experience. So many layers to unpack. For one, I felt it bore a strong resemblance to Pedro Paramo, with it’s repeated references to Sordello (who in Dante doesn’t manage to repent for his sins in time and is thrown into Purgatory,) and it was also interesting to see Bolaño in such a sustained poetic mode of prose writing throughout. In that regard this book struck me as unique from the other books I’ve read from him so far.

Also, one of my favorite little details was Mr. Raef (fear spelt backwards) being secretary to Mr. Etah (hate spelt backwards), fear being at the service of hate and the two of them ultimately being what leads him to the increasingly questionable actions he takes was a really fun and multilayered detail. Were they even real characters? Or just physical manifestations of his inner turmoil?

The predatory nature of the birds as a metaphor for the Catholic Church and it’s spread of imperialism throughout Europe and the Latin Americas (Chile specifically) I also found very powerful. Can’t wait to reread this one after a little time goes by and also excited to delve further into the history of Chile for additional context. What are other people’s thoughts on this one? I feel like it’s still a little underrated in his ouvre