"Fear love on this day:

but you will manage to regain it:

you will rest with your eyes closed, but you will not stop seeing, you will not stop desiring, because thus you will make your object of desire your own:

memory is the satisfied desire

today when your life and your fate became one."

"The Death of Artemio Cruz" is a sick, schizophrenic novel, extremely demanding, confessional, hard,

deeply and intensely emotional and by no means easy to read.

It will not give you its spiritual treasures if you do not dig wisely to discover them.

It will not embrace you with its amazing revelations, it will not reveal to you its incredibly pictorial and poetic image, the digressions that thrive in the fertile soil that the thought and the conscious flow of the author sows, as it drives you crazy with the incredible speed of circular references.

Fuentès reveals slowly and painfully, just as a sick person who is dying slowly burns and smolders, the journey of life, with bright signposts the results of the choices, and the tragic consequences, in relation to the fatalistic belief in the random, the fated, the inevitable.

With this complex and multi-layered writing style, he invites you to the journey of memory, forgetfulness, violence, incredible violence - at a point where this word becomes answer and fate - life, death, loss and absolute love, through the many faces and the countless voices of Artemio Cruz.

It is certainly a real fate to cross paths with the life of Artemio Cruz. Simply and only because it is a universal experience with the importance of familiarity and usefulness as an invaluable spiritual food for thought.

Inside it, it incorporates the troubled 70-year history of Mexico, from 1889 to 1959.

A country of many sufferings, civil strife, revolutions, mixtures of physical and psychological violence among three races, Spanish, Indian and African.

The fruit of such violence with a slave as a victim and a Spanish landowner as a culprit is our central hero.

Artemio Cruz. A divided and schizophrenic personality. Unique.

A demon who rambles in embraces, earns fire but sells hell and anomalous passions.

A ruler who distributes simple love, pain, violence, understanding, sympathy, grief, betrayal, turmoil.

An unscrupulous entrepreneur, incredibly rich, rises to power through corrupt and exploitative transactions that give the interests of his country to foreign investors-conquerors and now, he is recommended to us from his deathbed on the day he is dying and flowing away.

It is an amazing literary work. It tired me, it amazed me, it challenged me, it bored me, it provoked in me all the gamut of emotions and conclusions through difficult situations and self-destructive thoughts.

Besides giving me a headache, it gave me free access to new worlds of ideas.

Ideas about memory, love, life, death, human relationships and the positions of people in society with countless impotence and many random reference points to shortcomings and achievements.

The narrative techniques of Fuentès are wonderful and difficult.

He uses techniques that depict the life of Artemio Cruz and the condemned revolution in Mexico that was repeated successfully and failed by those who won it.

At present, we have a first-person narrative, personal and particularly distinct. Somewhere in 1960 when Cruz embraces death.

The fragmented thoughts of a dying person, changes in places and times unpredictably and chaotically psychic states with intensity and anxiety as we still know nothing about his life.

Second narrative form and we leave the I and go with lyricism and self-criticism to the YOU.

Here our hero comes out of himself in order to be able to condemn himself. Anger, dissatisfaction, anger, emotional intensity between Cruz and himself. He condemns, he praises, he remembers, and he tries to forget.

A future in the present.

Third narrative method and third-person narrative, extended in time and space through many eras.

These are fragmented, expository moments, where we learn a lot and revealing things about his personal life without including his or others' thoughts.

Obviously and the thoughts of the complex fragments of the I and the YOU are explained.

Comes a multi-faceted narrator THIS ONE and explains to us with many flashbacks the life of our hero.

Parallel to this exciting work, it also plays with the tone, as an example of literary writing.

An example of conscious journey, a chronological and historical document for the history of Mexico. mainly of all social classes and political beliefs of ordinary people.

A reasonable reading, a philosophical essay, a story with a spicy and popular tone.

A novel that fills the mind with colors, scents, melodies, multiple identities, capable for the idealists and unyielding in the face of the luxury of exploitation. Biographies of saints and sinners.

The life of Mexico passes like a unique and unforgettable journey, through the mind of a wonderful, solitary and proud man. Of a dead man: Artemio Cruz.

Fuentès has written a masterpiece that is recommended for readers willing to travel thousands of kilometers for a book...!

Good reading.

Many greetings.

This is the fourth book that I am reading from Foeniks, and it has become clear and proven to me that Foeniks' prose is neither too simple nor overly complex and extremely astonishing. Although peeling it off seems to me such a cold and complex writing. I read "The Death of Artemio Cruz" with Mehdi Sahabi's translation, and in my opinion, it is unjust to say that it was much more fluent, more touching, and more understandable than Mr. Qothari's translations. "The Death of Artemio Cruz" started with a bit of complexity, but as I progressed, the charm of the story increased because in the swirl of memories and the memories of Artemio, the needy old man, I was drowning, and little by little, I learned about the life story of this man, about his love in his youth, about his struggles in the revolution, about the affection he had for his son, about his unacceptable secret relationships with women, about his extravagances and self-wishes, and about his indissoluble bond with his uncle. I liked the book, and I couldn't give it four stars, but in the last few pages, with the attack of incomprehensible sentences and countless names that suddenly appeared in front of me, I changed my position and gave it three stars again. In addition, in my heart, I also said that it is really true that you, Foeniks, are crazy and not right!!

I found the story of Artemio Cruz to be a fascinating exploration of a man's life. The way the author weaves together the different aspects of his life, from his youth to his old age, is quite masterful. Each memory and event adds another layer to our understanding of who Artemio Cruz is.

However, the complexity of the language and the sometimes convoluted narrative did make it a bit of a challenge to read. There were times when I had to stop and reread a passage to fully understand what was going on. But despite these difficulties, I still found the book to be a rewarding read.

Overall, I would recommend "The Death of Artemio Cruz" to anyone who is interested in exploring the human psyche and the complex web of relationships and experiences that make up a life. It may not be an easy read, but it is definitely a thought-provoking one.

Understanding makes a person weak. And when we understand that we are the only ones who are following forces that do not lead us to anything, we become the sacrifice of this understanding.

This statement presents an interesting perspective on the concept of understanding. It suggests that having an in-depth understanding of certain situations or forces can potentially make a person feel vulnerable or powerless. When we realize that the paths we are taking or the forces we are following may not lead to any meaningful outcomes, it can be disheartening and make us feel like we are sacrificing something.

However, it is important to note that understanding can also bring about growth and change. It can allow us to make more informed decisions and choose different paths that may lead to more fulfilling results. While the initial realization of following unproductive forces may be difficult, it can also serve as a catalyst for us to seek out new opportunities and重新evaluate our priorities.

Artemio Cruz is a man on the brink of death, and this impending fate forces him to embark on a journey of self-reflection, looking back over the entirety of his life to relive its most significant experiences. In a very real sense, Cruz is not just an individual living in Mexico during a revolutionary era; he represents a microcosm of Mexico itself.

I have the deepest respect and admiration for the inventive narrative technique employed in this work. In some respects, it is truly revolutionary. The switch in narrative voice, from the first person to the second and third persons, is a daring move that pays off brilliantly. It makes the narrative come alive in a way that few other techniques could.

The story line becomes deeply personal and engaging when told in the first person, allowing the reader to truly get to know Artemio. However, it also gains a more objective perspective when the narrative voice shifts to the second and third persons. The flashbacks are another fascinating aspect of the narrative. Fuentes uses changes in time masterfully to serve the story, taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of Artemio's life, from his humble beginnings in abject poverty and his military adventures, to his passionate love affairs and his rise to power and the accompanying material wealth.

Cruz is a captivating literary figure, with a plethora of human weaknesses. However, he is drawn so vividly and credibly that he seems to leap off the page, thanks to Fuentes' narrative technique. The translation by Alfred Mac Adam is equally impressive. It is elegant, poetic, and lyrically rich, doing full justice to this literary novel. I cannot recommend this great translation highly enough. This is a truly remarkable book by a supremely gifted writer and translator, and I wholeheartedly hope that you will decide to read Artemio Cruz.

The topic was interesting.

However, the writing failed to hold my interest.

There were so many details that bored me and made me lose focus.

It seemed that the author was overly concerned with including every little thing, rather than presenting a clear and engaging narrative.

As a result, I found myself skimming through the text, rather than reading it carefully.

This is a shame, as the topic had a lot of potential.

With a more focused and concise writing style, the author could have really brought the subject to life and made it more interesting for the reader.

Perhaps in the future, the author will take some time to improve their writing skills and present their ideas in a more effective way.

Buena película

This is a remarkable movie that presents an antihero with an intense and controversial life. He "makes himself" but at the cost of betraying, corrupting others, and even corrupting himself. However, despite all of this, he is still a human being with all the contradictions that come with it. The evolution of Artemio takes place during the post-revolutionary period of Mexican history. This period was filled with turmoil and change, and Artemio's story is a reflection of the struggles and challenges that people faced during that time. The movie does an excellent job of exploring the complex themes of morality, power, and corruption, and it makes the viewer think about the choices that we make in our own lives. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging film that is well worth watching.

Book memorial, a literary masterpiece. There is no feeling that remains unfulfilled from reading it.

Deeply indebted to the tireless work of translator Efthimia Giannopoulou who managed to keep it tight, understandable and straightforward, without losing a trace of the complexity and richness of its descriptions, a text full of uneven narratives, chronological pauses and brilliant linguistic and thematic twists around its axes: of human existence and history.

This book is not just a collection of words; it is a journey through time and space, a exploration of the human condition.

The translator's skill in bringing this work to life is truly remarkable.

Her attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of the original text make this translation a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the human experience.

Whether you are a casual reader or a serious scholar, this book will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the power of words.

This novel left a profound and indelible impression on me. It was part of my 1962 reading list, and it was the original translation by Sam Hileman, who was Fuentes's translator throughout the 1960s.

Artemio Cruz, a fictional impoverished mulatto, had a tumultuous life. In his teens, he fled to participate in the Mexican Revolution. However, he later betrayed the ideals of that conflict and through shrewd and often unethical dealings, he became a wealthy and influential financier.

Throughout the novel, Artemio is on his deathbed, looking back through the prism of his dreams and the delirium of illness. The author ingeniously becomes the voice of the man, employing an artful and successful method of unwritten autobiography penned by another.

While still a soldier, Artemio discovers his first and only love. But when she dies from a bullet wound, his ideals are gradually eroded by sorrow. His rise to power embroils him in a loveless marriage and shady transactions with American investors. Like any astute mogul, he also purchases a newspaper to manipulate events to his advantage and influence politicians.

Despite the despicable nature of Artemio's life, I found myself caring about this man. Similar to many modern novels today, the time sequence is convoluted but effectively creates the effect of a person coming to terms with his life, understanding how his earlier actions shaped his later ones, and grappling with the complex questions of honor versus power. Consequently, Fuentes presents a history of the revolution through the perspective of one man's life.

Moreover, through the means of straightforward memory, dream states, and the continuous contrast of Artemio's current struggle with his illness, his doctors, and his family, the author draws the reader into all the conflicting ways in which any person copes with life. The writing is powerful and somewhat experimental, and I was reluctant for the book to end.

As I turned the last page, I couldn't help but wonder who among contemporary authors writes with such skill and artistry.

I loved him. The fountain pen is helpless.

Thank you, my Muslim friend, for recommending this book. :)

You exist... You will live... You have a reason for yourself... Your life has a reason... The stars shine for you and the sun burns for you... Until you love and live and be... Until you discover a secret and die without being able to convey it, because you only discover a secret when your eyes are closed forever...

This text seems to express deep emotions and thoughts about love, existence, and the mysteries of life. It may make the reader reflect on their own experiences and the significance of the things around them. The use of poetic language and imagery adds to the beauty and depth of the message.

Perhaps the author is trying to convey that there are certain aspects of life that are beyond our understanding and that we should cherish the moments we have and the people we love. The mention of the stars and the sun shining and burning for us gives a sense of importance and purpose to our existence.

Overall, this text is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that encourages us to look within ourselves and appreciate the world around us.

Artemio Cruz, you are on your deathbed, afflicted by an unknown malady. Surrounded by those you dislike, yet who are part of your family, you drift between dream and reality, past and present.

Your mind travels chaotically from one moment of your life to another. There is no order to the memories that flood back, personal and social alike. Past loves, betrayals, the escape from poverty and rise to wealth, the history of your losses all come in random flashes.

You wake and listen to snippets of conversation, try to make out the gestures and physical traits of those around you. Only now do you see the invisible threads connecting your life and ascent to the development of the Mexican revolution and implicitly, Mexican history.

In this random recapitulation, you cling to the memories of those who meant the most to you: a prostitute who loved you sincerely, your son lost in the Spanish civil war, your wife Catalina who married you for revenge.

Going back and forth in time, you keep remembering Regina, the only one who didn't love you for your wealth.

The story of your life, written in a wonderful narrative style, is deeply impressive. The lyricism and beauty of the phrases heighten the tragedy of your life through contrast.

It wasn't easy to make sense of the chaos in your mind as presented by Fuentes, but it was极其 rewarding when I succeeded. I mentally experienced these wonderfully narrated moments, despite their sadness.

You will always be remembered as a character who, although highly unlikable, has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that attracts and stays alive in the memory.

They all say that Fuentes was a genius. I now know why.

4.5 stars

This was an excellent read and not at all surprising considering it is a literary classic. However, more than sixty years after its publication, it does feel quite dated. This is probably my only complaint.

If one approaches this read as a novel that spans fifty years of Mexican history, it is truly remarkable solely for its historical content. I was completely unaware that the Yaqui fought a protracted war with the Mexican government in the 20th century, long after Wounded Knee.

Although we are not supposed to like the protagonist, Artemio, it is incredibly difficult not to root for him. His complex character and the circumstances he finds himself in draw the reader in and make it hard not to cheer him on, despite his flaws. The story weaves together elements of history, politics, and human nature in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in Mexican history or literature.

Carlos Fuentes is a renowned writer, and his works are considered true masterpieces. One such work vividly describes the reminiscences of the death of the main character, a Mexican landlord.

This story is set against the backdrop of a severe critique of the political system in Mexico that prevailed during that era. Fuentes delves deep into the psyche of the character, exploring his thoughts and emotions as he approaches the end of his life.

The works "Aura" and "The Death of Artemio Cruz" are particularly notable in this regard. "Aura" weaves a captivating tale that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, while "The Death of Artemio Cruz" offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human condition.

Another significant work by Fuentes is "Terra Nostra," which further showcases his literary prowess and unique perspective. Through these works, Fuentes not only tells engaging stories but also provides valuable insights into the social and political fabric of Mexico.

His writing style is both evocative and powerful, drawing the reader into a world of vivid imagery and complex characters. Carlos Fuentes' works are a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the exploration of the human experience.