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BOOK

Palinuro of Mexico.

Fernando del Paso · Fiction · 1977

"Palinuro of Mexico" by Fernando del Paso is a rich and complex novel that combines elements of magical realism, humor, and encyclopedic knowledge to explore the vast tapestry of Mexican culture, history, and politics. The narrative centers around Palinuro, a medical student, and his cousin Estefania, with whom he shares an incestuous love. Their story is set against the backdrop of Mexico City, depicted as a labyrinthine, vibrant, and chaotic urban space teeming with life and history. Del Paso crafts a multifaceted narrative that weaves together the personal and the political, the real and the surreal, drawing on mythology, medicine, and literature to create a unique literary experience. The novel is celebrated for its linguistic creativity, imaginative breadth, and the depth of its cultural and historical references.