Description
The Crocodile's Gaze
Book Summary
In this noir novel, the reader will delve into an intricate conspiracy that connects the Valencian Spring protests with the shadows of the African decolonization wars. Through the eyes of Miquel O'Malley, a disillusioned ex-police officer, a plot of police corruption and secret services is unveiled, with roots reaching deep into Southern Africa. The work offers a raw and realistic perspective on power, violence, and the invisible ties that bind two seemingly distant worlds, with a narrative pace that captures the reader from the very first pages.
What is it about?
Miquel O'Malley, a disillusioned and drifting ex-police officer, is swept up by riot police during the Valencian Spring protests while merely passing by. This incident plunges him into a dangerous conspiracy involving police and secret services, whose ramifications extend to the African springs. O'Malley faces the powerful forces of reaction, firmly entrenched in the government, while discovering, along with the reader, the legendary story of the Crocodile: an exceptional, solitary marksman born on the border between Mozambique and South Africa, marked by the wars of decolonization, elephants, and apartheid. A man with an unknown face, afflicted by paralysis, a deadly reptile lost on the shores of the Mediterranean looking for his place in the world.
Main themes
- Police and secret service conspiracy in contemporary Valencia.
- The legacy of the decolonization wars in Southern Africa.
- Institutional corruption and the abuse of power from within the government.
- Disillusionment and the search for identity of an ex-police officer.
- The figure of the solitary sniper as a product of historical violence.
Who is it recommended for?
For fans of noir and mystery novels who seek complex plots with political and historical backgrounds. It is ideal for those who enjoy stories that connect different geographical and temporal realities, featuring morally ambiguous characters and an intense narrative pace. It will also be appealing to those interested in the recent history of Africa and its influence on modern-day Europe.
What this book offers
- A well-constructed suspense plot that weaves together two very different geopolitical contexts.
- A complex and disillusioned main character who evolves throughout the investigation.
- A unique perspective on the consequences of colonial violence in the present.
- An implicit social and political critique of power structures and corruption.
Technical sheet
- Author: Alandes Albert, Juli
- Publisher: Editorial Alrevés
- Language: cat
- Topic: CRIME AND MYSTERY GENRE
- Collection: CRIMS.CAT
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: September 2014
- Number of pages: 206
- Weight: 362 g
Editorial review
The Crocodile's Gaze is a solid entry in the crime genre that stands out for its ability to weave a narrative that crosses borders and eras. The author's voice, Juli Alandes, manages to convey the tension and oppressive atmosphere of an investigation that shakes the foundations of established power. For the target audience, it offers an absorbing read that goes beyond mere entertainment, inviting reflection on the open wounds of history and their impact on the present. A novel that rewards the attentive reader with a well-crafted plot and memorable characters.