Description
Grotesqueries in the Night
Book Summary
A contemporary fiction novel that tells the story of Arturo Estrada, a man who, after leaving prison, faces a world he no longer recognizes. Pursued by a stranger and armed with a mysterious key, he returns to his hometown to discover that his family and his surroundings have changed radically. The arrival of three boats on the coast awakens in him a risky impulse: to offer African immigrants a journey of liberation. What follows is a journey full of adventures, where social injustice, racism, and dehumanization mark the destiny of its protagonists.
What is it about?
The novel follows Arturo Estrada on his return to civilian life after serving his sentence. Upon leaving prison, he receives an anonymous envelope containing a small key, an object that triggers a series of disturbing events. While feeling watched by a mysterious pursuer, Arturo tries to resume his previous routine, but discovers that nothing is as it was: his family has changed, his job has disappeared, and the city he knew no longer exists. In this context of uprooting, the news of the arrival of three boats with African immigrants offers him an unexpected purpose. Determined to act, Arturo organizes a journey of liberation for the newcomers, an undertaking that becomes an adventure full of obstacles, moral dilemmas, and encounters that will test his humanity and that of those around him.
Main Themes
- Social reintegration and the difficulty of resuming life after prison.
- Social injustice and structural racism in a dehumanized society.
- Solidarity and personal commitment in the face of collective adversity.
- The journey as a metaphor for liberation and personal transformation.
- The identity crisis and the loss of points of reference in a changing world.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in contemporary fiction with a strong social component. It is especially recommended for those looking for novels that address issues such as immigration, social exclusion, and the fight for justice from a human and critical perspective. It is also attractive to those who enjoy suspense and adventure plots with a background of social commentary.
What this book offers
- A deep reflection on solidarity and empathy in contexts of humanitarian crisis.
- A suspense and action plot that maintains interest throughout its pages.
- A critical look at social inequalities and contemporary racism.
- A complex character who evolves from initial confusion to decisive action.
- A narrative that combines social realism with episodes of adventure and mishap.
Technical Data
- Author: López Pérez, Jesús
- Publisher: Ediciones Carena
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION
- Collection: NARRATIVE
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2019
- Number of pages: 355
- Weight: 478 g
Editorial Review
Grotesqueries in the Night is a novel that successfully combines psychological thriller and social commentary. Its protagonist, Arturo Estrada, embodies the struggle of an ordinary individual faced with a system that excludes him and a reality he does not understand. The work stands out for its ability to address complex issues such as immigration and racial injustice without falling into simplifications, maintaining an agile and episodic narrative pace. It is a recommended read for those who value fiction that challenges and mobilizes, offering a literary experience that goes beyond entertainment.