Description
TROPIC OF MYANMAR
Book Summary
A scientific expedition to the remote Iwo Mura valley in Myanmar's Kachin State turns into a psychological and fantastical journey. Hèctor Pàl·luch, an academic searching for a prosimian that might give meaning to his career and calm his anxiety, delves into a territory where legends speak of a monstrous being capable of sucking the souls of the living. Accompanied by the guide Thalim, Hèctor's scientific project collapses as the myth becomes increasingly plausible. This work, winner of the XIII Pollença Narrative Prize 2022, combines adventure and fantasy with a dark and personal background.
What is it about?
Hèctor Pàl·luch, a researcher trapped by anxiety and a lack of purpose, reluctantly agrees to lead an expedition to the Iwo Mura valley, an isolated spot in Myanmar. His goal is to find a prosimian that can justify his academic work and, perhaps, turn his life around. He is accompanied by Thalim, a native guide who knows the valley's dark legends, which speak of a demonic being, a kind of vampire that feeds on human emotions. As the expedition progresses, the border between science and myth blurs. What begins as a rational search transforms into a confrontation with his own fears and with a truth that defies logic. The novel explores the fragility of the human mind and how beliefs can shape reality.
Main themes
- The search for meaning in a context of anxiety and personal crisis.
- The confrontation between scientific reason and ancestral beliefs.
- The power of legends and folklore to shape collective fear.
- The relationship between humans and the wild, unknown nature.
- Geographical isolation as a catalyst for inner exploration.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers who enjoy adventure novels with a strong psychological and fantastical component. Recommended for those looking for stories that combine the exploration of remote landscapes with deep character introspection. Also for those interested in narratives that challenge the limits of science and reason in the face of mystery and the unknown.
What this book offers
- An adventure plot set in an exotic and little-explored setting like the Kachin region of Myanmar.
- A reflection on anxiety and the search for purpose in a world dominated by academic logic.
- A literary journey that fuses the fantasy genre with psychological realism.
- An exploration of how legends can influence the perception of reality.
- An award-winning work that offers an intense and atmospheric reading experience.
Technical specifications
- Author: PICH, OSCAR M.
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Modern and contemporary fiction, Adventure
- Collection: Notes de color
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2023
- Number of pages: 184
- Weight: 299 g
Editorial review
A novel that stands out for its ability to weave an oppressive and mysterious atmosphere, where science and myth compete for the truth. The author constructs a story that, starting from adventure, invites reflection on internal fears and the search for meaning. Its victory at the Pollença Narrative Prize confirms the quality of a work that knows how to maintain the reader's interest until the end. Recommended for those looking for a read that goes beyond simple action and offers a journey into the depths of the human psyche.