Advertisement
Books

Chilean Poet by Alejandro Zambra review: A dazzling jewel from a true original

Frank, insightful and very funny; the new novel by previous Big Issue book of the year author Alejandro Zambra may just be his best yet.

For this reviewer at least, there are few newsflashes as thrilling as “a new book by Alejandro Zambra”.

The Chilean poet, essayist and novelist is not especially prolific, but amongst his output are some of the most original writings of the last two decades (Multiple Choice, in which he reveals the story of a difficult father/son relationship and delivers a pin-sharp critique of the Pinochet regime through a series of multiple choice questions, is a masterful feat, and was the Big Issue Book of the Year in 2017). 

Chilean Poet by Alejandro Zambra, translated by Megan McDowell, is out March 24 (Granta,  16.99)

For lovers of Zambra’s previous work however, Chilean Poet initially raised some misgivings. Long celebrated for his audacious experiments with form and expression, this is a relatively conventional novel. Given Zambra’s rising international reputation, there were fears that the mischievous magician had sold out for Amazonian dollars.

So exquisite is the writing and so excellent the jokes, I could compose this entire review with direct quotes

It doesn’t take long to dispel any concerns. The novel begins with a series of scenes from a teenage romance so convincing, so tenderly wrought, and so laugh out loud funny, that one begins to suspect Chilean Poet might be the best things he’s ever written. The delight in bodies and skin and teeth and tongues; the perpetual rhythm of wild beating-heart anticipation and anti-climax, exulted passion and cynical ennui, panic and serenity: Zambra, with startling clarity, remembers it all. 

He also never misses the chance to make his reader laugh out loud. We understand the extent of the awkward young Gonzalo’s commitment to stalling his speedy ejaculation when – after various nullifying fantasies, including one involving the ideologically unlovely Mrs. Pinochet, have failed to do the trick – he finally succeeds with “the cruel method of imagining a man with Parkinson’s trying to eat an artichoke.” Don’t worry, consoles his doctor “It happens to everyone, bud, though I have to admit it’s never happened to me.’

So exquisite is the writing and so excellent the jokes, I could easily compose this entire review of direct quotes, sentences of extraordinary craft and beauty. Its combination of poignancy and belly laughs reminded me at different times of George Saunders, Jojo Rabbit writer/director Taika Waititi and Larry David. The snappy humour dilutes a little as the story moves into adulthood, taking on a more serious tone as it tracks the grown-up resumption of Gonzalo and Carla’s relationship, and the former’s new role as stepfather to Carla’s young son. But the portrait of six-year-old Vicente is a delight and, perhaps because Zambra is the father of a four year old boy, wholly believable in its affectionate observations.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The novel continues to explore new ground – the love between stepfather and son, the trials of a Chilean poet – but never fails to hit the sweet spot. It is, in short, a complete joy. And the ending is an unforgettable Oscar-worthy knockout. 

Alejandro Zambra’s Chilean Poet, translated by Megan McDowell, is out March 24, Granta, £16.99

You can buy Chilean Poet from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops

@Janeannie

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
Every family has a secret. By uncovering mine, I liberated my grandmother's sorrowful story
Family secrets

Every family has a secret. By uncovering mine, I liberated my grandmother's sorrowful story

Top 5 revolutionary books, chosen by historian and author Alice Hunt
Books

Top 5 revolutionary books, chosen by historian and author Alice Hunt

The Most by Jessica Anthony review – cracks just beneath the surface of an all-American family
Books

The Most by Jessica Anthony review – cracks just beneath the surface of an all-American family

An interstellar, alien meteor collided with Earth. This is what happened
Science

An interstellar, alien meteor collided with Earth. This is what happened

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue