Cantoras, Carolina De Robertis, Alfred A Knopf, 2019, 312 pp
All my reading groups were of course cancelled and postponed this month, so that gives me room for more reviews. There will be no Reading Group Update for March. This book was the pick of The Tiny Book Club, though we have yet to meet.
Three years ago I read this author's wonderful The Gods of Tango. I loved Cantoras just as much. It covers 36 years of life in Uruguay, from 1977 to 2013. The story opens during the years of rule by a military government. The crushing of all dissent, the curfews, the fear of being "disappeared," the deadness of not being able to trust anyone, has brought the citizens of this small country to despair.
I admit I did not exactly know where in South America, Uruguay is. Now I do. I now also know how the military dictatorship came about as well as how the people finally broke free and restored democracy there. Not a spoiler because that information is available.
De Robertis brought this history to vibrant life through her account of five lesbian women who came together to protect each other. Homosexuality was considered one of the worst transgressions under the regime. For these women, coming out was so dangerous that it resulted in a double repression.
There are passages of horrible incidents balanced with passages of incredible courage and joy. Inevitable horror without any certainty of victory.
The writing is a stunning combination of sensuousness, detailed description of city life but also of the natural world at the beach where the women create a home together. The characters are filled with realistic human interaction.
The story is a glorification of the power inherent in people to live and love in freedom.
This sounds very good. The struggle against dictatorship, and the struggle to live one’s life how one pleases, is one of the greatest And most important stories out there.
ReplyDeleteThough I have not read it, novels such as this play an important part in spreading these vital stories.
Here is to the struggle!
DeleteSee I don't know much about Uruguay at all. It's not really talked about much but this sounds like a great book for anyone wanting to know more and to follow these 5 brave/powerful women through such a dark and scary time.
ReplyDeleteWomen rock!
DeleteI, too, loved The Gods of Tango and I feel pretty sure I will love this one also. I don't remember hearing of it before so I'm glad you brought it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteDid you read The Gods of Tango on my recommendation or was it the other way around, or just coincidence? Cantoras came out near the end of last year and I am certain you will love it!
DeleteI think I saw your review and decided to read it. Same thing this time around!
DeleteHow delightful! (I just started reading a 1965 novel about John and Abigail Adams and that is how they talk.)
Deletean undiscovered niche of history that sounds pretty interesting... lots of generals there...
ReplyDeleteso many generals...
ReplyDeleteSounds like the kind of book that I need to read now. I am not very familiar with Uruguay history though I had some lessons in high school.
ReplyDeleteIt is an absorbing read and the writing just carries you along.
DeleteI had heard about the praise of this novel last year ... and now I'm glad someone I know & trust has read it. You sold me on it ... hook, line & sinker. So glad you reviewed this one. (i just ordered the e-book version!)... woohoo. Uruguay's history seems dark ... but these women sound like they can transcend it for moments ...
ReplyDeleteHook, line & sinker? That is huge. I know you will love it!
DeleteI know nothing of Uruguay or its history. Perhaps I should change that in the future. Lovely review, as always!
ReplyDeleteIt is really something, all the stuff that goes on in the world without us knowing it. That is why reading books is so great! So glad you enjoyed the review.
DeleteCANTORAS sounds like a book worth reading. I've never heard of this author before. I will add the book to my ever growing reading wishlist.
ReplyDeleteHappy to have introduced you. She is actually in your part of the state, a resident in the Bay area.
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