Description
THE SECRET DEPTH OF THINGS
Book Summary
A novel that combines humor, social critique, and philosophical reflection in an island setting. Antonio Orihuela tells the story of Víctor Fuertes, a man who, feeling like an outcast in a society that excludes him, decides to kidnap the dog of one of the island's millionaires. What begins as an act of rebellion turns into an unexpected initiatory journey, where the animal's indifference, the employees' cunning, and an encounter with unorthodox sages in the mountains reveal a profound secret about existence.
What is it about?
Víctor Fuertes is a man who has internalized the social message that he is surplus. In a desperate act, he decides to kidnap the dog of a powerful, wealthy man on the island, believing that this will allow him to get attention or exert some form of power. However, his plan clashes with two unexpected realities: the dog's total indifference toward its owner and the cunning mischief of the millionaire's employees. Forced to flee, Víctor takes refuge in an old lighthouse, where his escape becomes an initiatory journey guided by a group of old, unorthodox sages from the mountains. Through these teachings, the novel explores the search for meaning in a world that discards those who do not fit in, revealing the secret depth of things.
Main themes
- Social exclusion and the feeling of being surplus in contemporary society.
- Rebellion and individual resistance against economic power and indifference.
- Initiatory journey and the search for meaning through unorthodox knowledge.
- The relationship between humans and animals as a mirror of human relationships.
- Critique of materialism and the superficiality of the elites.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers interested in contemporary narrative with a strong component of social critique, who appreciate acid humor and stories of personal transformation. It is also suitable for those looking for novels that combine action with philosophical reflection and island magical realism, without sacrificing polished and accessible prose.
What this book contributes
- An original perspective on exclusion and resistance, far from conventional discourses.
- A narrative journey that invites reflection on the value of what society discards.
- Eccentric and memorable characters that enrich the plot with folk and unorthodox wisdom.
- A lucid and entertaining critique of power and indifference, without losing its literary tone.
- An agile yet profound read in a paperback format that makes it easy to carry.
Technical specifications
- Author: Antonio Orihuela
- Publisher: La Oveja Roja
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction
- Collection: Narrative
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2019
- Number of pages: 144
- Weight: 230 g
Editorial review
The Secret Depth of Things is a novel that strikes a remarkable balance between social critique and adventure narrative. Antonio Orihuela builds a story that, starting from an almost absurd premise, leads to a profound reflection on the individual's place in a society that marginalizes them. The prose is precise and evocative, and the secondary characters, especially the mountain sages, provide a layer of folk wisdom that enriches the whole. It is a work that will interest those looking for a read that is both entertaining and capable of provoking a critical view of the current world.