Description
In Search of New Babylon
Book Summary
In the American West of the late 19th century, four lost souls cross paths incessantly in a boundless territory. A reverend with amputated hands, a pyromaniac who has escaped the gallows nine times, a young woman in search of the ideal husband, and a criminal who dreams of a utopian city. Their paths intertwine, laden with pistols, gold nuggets, and broken dreams. A novel that combines the harshness of the classic western with masterful prose and a poetic gaze upon the forgotten souls of the American dream.
What is it about?
The work follows the trajectories of four characters whose lives intersect in the vast landscape of the American West. In Paria, 1881, Reverend Aaron appears with his hands amputated, looking for a brothel. In Bullionville, 1880, Charles Teasdale, the West's most famous pyromaniac, commits suicide after nine escapes from the gallows. In Kansas City, 1877, Pearl Guthrie embarks on a journey West in search of the perfect husband. And in Perryville, 1878, Russian Bill, a dreamy criminal, plans to found New Babylon, a utopian city for all outcasts. Their stories entwine in a hostile territory where dreams collide with the harshest reality.
Main Themes
- Utopia and the American dream as a mirage for the dispossessed
- The western as a literary genre revisited with a contemporary voice
- The search for redemption and second chances in a violent world
- Destiny and chance as forces that connect seemingly disconnected lives
- Marginality and exclusion on the 19th-century American frontier
Who is it recommended for?
This novel is aimed at readers looking for a high-quality literary western, far removed from the genre's clichés. It is ideal for those who enjoy choral narratives with multiple voices and perspectives, as well as those interested in polished prose that combines action, reflection, and a touch of lyricism. It will also be attractive to followers of historical fiction who explore the fringes of American history.
What this book offers
- A reinvention of the classic western with a modern and literary perspective
- Complex and memorable characters that transcend genre archetypes
- Masterful prose that turns violence and harshness into narrative poetry
- A reflection on broken dreams and the search for a place in the world
- A choral story that masterfully weaves multiple destinies in the same territory
Technical Specifications
- Author: Scali, Dominique
- Publisher: Hoja de Lata Editorial
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction, Westerns, Historical fiction
- Collection: Sensibles a las letras
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication Date: May 2017
- Number of pages: 388
- Weight: 515 g
Editorial Review
In Search of New Babylon arrives as a literary surprise within the western genre. The work stands out for its ability to renew the codes of the classic West from a contemporary perspective, without losing the essence of the genre. Dominique Scali's prose is precise and evocative, maintaining a narrative pace that captures the reader from the very first pages. The construction of the characters, each with their own voice and motivations, makes this novel highly recommended for those seeking quality historical fiction that transcends the conventions of the genre.