It's the kind of book that truly captivates you from start to finish. You find yourself engrossed, nodding knowingly as you understand the author's every word and thought. And then, before you know it, it completely blows you away. You don't fully realize how much you love everything about this book until you've finished reading it and can't quite recapture that same experience again.

De Bernieres has a remarkable matter-of-fact style. He presents things in such a blunt yet beautiful way. The setting he creates is vivid and lush, almost as if you can step right into it. However, the situations that unfold can be bleak and terrible, yet they all come across as simple facts of life. It takes a real talent to be able to write something that is so easily absorbed by the reader yet so profound.

That's the thing about this book. For the most part, it's a fun read. The title character is a big, fat guy who walks around naked and makes potty-humor jokes. Maybe my enthusiastic review of such material says more about me than the author, but there's really something special here that I can't quite put into words. It's a wonderful book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and engaging read.

Wildly imaginative, this work feels more like a collection of short stories than a unified novel.

Some of its prose is truly magical, perhaps even more so than the stories themselves. However, it fails to come together as a satisfying whole. This might be due to the lack of a clear protagonist or having too many of them, which makes it difficult for the reader to form a deep connection.

As a Latin American, it took me several chapters to adjust to the intentional mishmash of ethnic groups, myths, and events from different parts of the subcontinent. It's like imagining a novel set in the XVI century that combines historical facts and traditions from France, England, Spain, and Germany as if they were from a single country.

About half of the book I really enjoyed, finding it engaging and full of unique ideas. But the other half was a tougher read, lacking the coherence and flow that would have made it a more enjoyable experience overall.

[ I use a pass / fail grading, where 1=Would not Recommend and 5=Recommend] I would rate this book a 3. It has its strengths, but also its weaknesses, and is really only for die-hard fans of magical realism.

Only for die hard fans of magical realism

It's a masterpiece.

It is a hullabaloo, a chaotic yet strangely coherent mix of all the highlights of Latin America.

The lush forests that seem to hold countless secrets, the magic that lingers in the air, the corruption that unfortunately plagues some aspects of society, the revolution that has shaped its history, the intense heat that is both oppressive and invigorating, the unique way of life that is so full of color and vibrancy, the passionate people who wear their hearts on their sleeves, and all of its boundless energy.

Bernieres manages to merge all of these elements into this fictitious country that he creates, bringing it to life in a way that is truly captivating.

It's a world that readers can lose themselves in, experiencing all the joys and sorrows, the beauty and the ugliness, that Latin America has to offer.

It's a testament to Bernieres' skill as a writer that he can create such a vivid and immersive fictional world that is so rich in detail and emotion.

Great book!

The descriptions within it are incredibly vivid, painting a picture that is both detailed and engaging. What's more, the irony is used in a wonderful way, adding an extra layer of depth and humor to the narrative. This book truly stands out as a remarkable piece of magical satire, reminiscent of Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.

If you have a deep appreciation for that classic, then you should most definitely give this one a try.

However, I do have a couple of criticisms. The author's approach to telling the story by bouncing around in such an incongruous manner can sometimes make it a bit challenging to follow. Additionally, the very short chapters, with each one only being 5 - 10 pages long for a total of 363 pages, might seem a bit disjointed at times.

That being said, perhaps this non-linear structure and short chapters were intentional choices that contributed to the unique charm and effectiveness of the book. It might not have worked as well if it had been presented as a traditional linear story.

Regardless of these minor drawbacks, it is still a very nice read that offers a fresh and engaging perspective.

Anyone who has a desire to write fiction should definitely read this book. However, be prepared to feel disappointed - in your own abilities when compared with de Bernieres. He has rapidly become one of my favorite English writers. His style is unique, the plot is captivating, his humor is delightful, and his candor is refreshing. All these, along with his subject matter, make him simply irresistible. In this particular case, he focuses on the impoverished campesinos of a mythical South American country. De Bernieres is like an English Marquez, skillfully crafting a land of magical realism that also showcases all the ugliness of the real world.

De Bernieres' wide range of characters and archetypes come to life in an extraordinary way in this fine first novel. It is the beginning of a trilogy that explores the people of Chiriguana and later, Cochadebajo de los Gatos. The novel takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride filled with revolution, genocide, spiritual love, heresy, and diaspora. If you are seeking a great book to keep you enthralled for a weekend at the beach or a few afternoons by the pool, then look no further. This book is sure to satisfy your literary cravings and leave you longing for more.

A beautiful story composed of numerous little stories. I loved reading it, especially when those many short stories converged and enhanced the already intricate narrative.

At its core, it was a war story, yet this particular book stands out as an exemplar of magical realism. It brings to life the people of an imagined country, making you either adore them or loathe them, and causing you to weep or cheer at their diverse adventures.

Parts of the book were also highly relatable. Kenya has endured the same absurdities as the country in the book: rampant corruption, economic meddling that hampers rather than facilitates progress, and a war over a tiny island in the middle of nowhere...

All things considered, this was my favorite book of the year.

But seriously, what was the deal with the giant cats?

A Rambling Tale of a Fictitious South American Republic

A rambling tale unfolds about a fictitious South American republic that has been severely ravaged by a series of events. Army coups have destabilized the country, revolutionary guerrillas roam the land, and massive corruption plagues public life. Louis de Bernieres, with great detail and entertainment, paints a vivid picture of life in this troubled nation. He delves into the complex goings-on between the army and the guerrillas, while the locals find themselves helplessly trapped in the middle.

De Bernieres has a remarkable eye for the ironic, and his writing style is filled with humor. This makes the first 100 pages or so of the novel highly entertaining. However, as the story progresses, one hopes to see the plot develop and become more engaging. Unfortunately, the novel continues to ramble on, introducing endless characters from every walk of life. It becomes a bit tiresome, and I find myself losing interest.

Sorry, but I simply don't have the patience to spend hours on this. Life is just too short for a pensioner like me. There are other books out there that offer more engaging plots and more satisfying reading experiences. Maybe this novel just wasn't for me.

I was initially struck by the cruelty of this book, which was followed by its levity, then its beauty. After that, its cruelty reemerged, and then its cunning little wisdoms came to the fore.接着，它那些发自内心的正义时刻又让人印象深刻，还有它的猫咪、幽默以及循环的时间感。随后，它的残酷再次显现，幽默也再次出现，还有它那些谦逊而聪明的角色。最后，我被它的宏大所震撼，它那包罗万象的世界，尽管充满了残酷，尽管有折磨和无意义的死亡，但却包含着魔法，既狡猾又笨拙，既荒诞又感伤，是属于弱势群体的魔法，而且只属于弱势群体。

它显然是对马尔克斯的致敬，但其中也有冯内古特和阿连德的影子。

这本书没有得到五星的原因之一是，书中有太多轻率的贬损性描述，这些描述显然是为了有趣和残酷，而不仅仅是冒犯和残酷。这在对非白人角色和女性的描述中尤其明显。事实上，这些角色往往是最有趣、最诚实和最勇敢的，这在一定程度上弥补了特伦蒂诺/汤姆·罗宾斯那种“我是艺术家，我可以写任何我想写的词”的语言风格。

我之所以犹豫是否要给这本书五星，尽管我有时完全爱上了它，另一个原因是书中确实有很多暴力描写。残酷、折磨人、毁灭性的暴力。一方面，这种暴力在许多拉丁美洲国家或多或少都真实发生过。可以用一种“真相与和解”的论点来为如此详细地描述它辩护。它在某种程度上确实给故事增添了深度：所有的角色都受到了暴力的影响，所以尽管它很常见，但却从未让人觉得完全是无端的。然而，我想知道是否可以用更简洁的描述来达到同样的效果。我想知道是否存在一种偷窥的元素在起作用……

I struggle to read this book.

It's normally not my style of reading.

This book was chosen as a book to read for our Book Club.

And unfortunately, I just could not comprehend the story.

Every time I pick up the book, I find myself getting lost in the words and unable to follow the plot.

The characters seem flat and uninteresting to me, and I can't seem to connect with them on any level.

I've tried reading it multiple times, but I always end up feeling frustrated and confused.

I'm not sure if it's because the writing is too complex or if it's just not a story that appeals to me.

Either way, I'm really disappointed that I can't seem to get into this book, especially since it was chosen by my Book Club.

I hope that maybe on my next attempt, I'll be able to understand and enjoy it more.

This is the first installment of Louis de Bernières’ Latin American trilogy. I once read Señor Vivo and the Coco Lord without realizing that it was the second book in the trilogy. ¡Ay, caramba! - But it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

In homage to Gabriel García Márquez, the godfather of magical realism, de Bernières presents a rhapsodic, riotous, rollicking (and a whole host of other adjectives starting with ’r’) snortfest of salacious surrealism. It seems I'm cursed with alliteration today.

Explaining the storyline, which includes a depraved army, an offbeat band of guerrillas, and a fiesta of frivolity, would take me all day. (I'm bloody at it again with the alliteration; it's really getting on my nerves.)

Perhaps I shouldn't have read the second book first because I felt that this one paled in comparison. However, it is still a hugely enjoyable read. The vivid descriptions, the colorful characters, and the unique blend of reality and fantasy make it a captivating and engaging story. Despite its flaws, it has a charm and a magic all its own that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

I last read ‘The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts’ approximately twenty years ago.

At that time, it was a rather frustrating experience for me. Despite its vivid and colorful portrayal, the book somehow managed to annoy me.

However, like some books do, it lingered in my mind. It was like the shadow of a half-forgotten dream that just wouldn't go away.

Even after two decades had passed, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something in this book that was worth exploring further.

So, I decided to read it again.

Written before ‘Captain Correli’s Mandolin’ catapulted him to extreme fame, Louis de Bernières here creates a picaresque and magic-realist exploration of a fictional South American country.

We are taken on a journey through a small and remote village (where the Don Emmanuel of the title resides), the various ranks of the army, a band of communist guerrilla rebels, Indian tribes, and even the President’s office.

At its best, de Bernières presents us with chapters filled with wit and satire. The jokes recall Douglas Adams both in their construction and the laughter they evoke.

When it's on form, it is a tremendously funny and sharp read that truly manages to conjure up the sights, smells, and idiosyncratic culture of this country.

Unfortunately, my reaction from all those years ago was repeated. It is again an incredibly frustrating experience.

The book's meandering through the different strata of society often feels aimless. There is very little central focus to the narrative, and no sense that it is necessarily leading anywhere.

For example, the incident that gives the book its title is forgotten within fifty pages.

Some of the chapters are excellent, but there are others that lack that wit and some that are just plain dull.

As such, this reader didn't soar towards the conclusion with the book. Instead, it was more of a plodding towards an arbitrary ending.

So once again, I found ‘The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts’ an annoying experience and not the best read I've come across in a while.

But I do have a suspicion that it will still be with me in 2033.

This ripping good read is truly almost too perfect.

It is written by a no doubt crotchety Englishman, and this farce serves as a distillation of Latin American magical realism.

Here, a plethora of outlandish stories are boiled down into sparkling and colorful set-pieces that are set loose to writhe on a sultry chessboard of human misery and almost cheerfully morbid political skullduggery.

The prose style is excellent. It is as twisty as can be, but of course far more accomplished than the sample provided by this amateur in the preceding paragraph.

What truly separates this story from pure farce is the meticulous attention to detail and the deep love for the pure, living, and breathing forms of nature in South America.

However, the major lack in this book is a coherence of narrative and character. To such an extent that it may have made more sense if it were presented as a short story collection.

Nevertheless, while having all these unrelated stories bumping into each other in Brownian motion may be a little distracting, it undeniably has its own charm.