"Amulet" is a posthumously published novel by Chilean author Roberto Bolaño. The book was originally written in 1998 and was finally published in 1999, a year after Bolaño's death. It is a relatively short novel, consisting of just over 100 pages. The story revolves around a character named Auxilio Lacouture, a Uruguayan woman living in Mexico City. Auxilio, known as the "Mother of Mexican Poetry," finds herself trapped inside the bathroom of the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature at the National Autonomous University of Mexico during a violent confrontation between the students and the police. As she waits for someone to come to her rescue, Auxilio reflects on her life and the role she plays as a poet and a woman in a time of political turmoil.
What is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. Agnes M. Pahro
So, the faithful were reassured that any demonic powers that the magi may have possessed were dispelled by the sacred purpose of their journey, and attempts were made to rebrand them. Early Church leader Tertullian attempted to link the magi to Old Testament prophecies about kings worshipping the Lord and bearing gifts, and perhaps troubled by the term magi s implications of magic, he chose to call them kings instead and hence the story of the three kings was born.
As she waits for someone to come to her rescue, Auxilio reflects on her life and the role she plays as a poet and a woman in a time of political turmoil. She reminisces about her friends and acquaintances, many of whom are involved in the left-wing student movement, and shares her thoughts on the political and social climate of Mexico City in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although Auxilio's story is personal, it also reflects the wider context of Latin American history and politics during that period.
Let’s make some Christmas magic
The holidays are here, just when we need them most. Although the chaos of the world swirls outside your windows, you can focus on the many things that make this the best time of the year. Welcome the spirit of the season into your heart and into your home, and this will be a holiday to remember.
Let’s face it, this terrible-horrible-no good-very bad year will keep on going without us. I’ve been dealing with it like it’s a spider on the wall, keeping my eye on it so it doesn’t creep up on me! So not necessary!
It’s time to take a break from our pandemic obsession and focus on something else for a few short weeks. Let’s mute the endless litany of bad news and focus instead on creating a little joy. Go ahead, it’ll be OK.
Like Auntie Mame, we need a little Christmas now. So turn off the news and step away from your phone.
Cue the lights, the snow, and the bells. Bring on the baking, the board games, and the ceramic Christmas village. Set the holiday jigsaw puzzle on the card table next to the cookie jar. Wrap the front door in evergreen boughs and hang a wreath on the front of your car.
Let’s carve some happiness out of this year and send our love out to the world. It needs it … and so do you. Let’s light it up!
Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.
Dr. Seuss, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Bolaño uses her character to explore themes such as revolution, dictatorship, and the power of art in the face of oppression. Through Auxilio's perspective, the reader gains insights into the struggles and sacrifices of the students and intellectuals who fought for social justice during those tumultuous times. "Amulet" is written in Bolaño's trademark style, characterized by his poetic and lyrical prose, as well as his blending of fiction and reality. The novel is divided into nine chapters, each named after a renowned Latin American writer or poet, reflecting Bolaño's admiration for literary figures who resisted political oppression. Overall, "Amulet" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of politics, art, and history. Through the character of Auxilio Lacouture, Bolaño offers a compelling exploration of the struggle for justice and the importance of literature in times of political upheaval..
Reviews for "The Magical Realism in Roberto Bolaño's Amulet"
1. Amy - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Amulrt" by Roberto Bolano, especially after hearing so many positive things about his other works. However, I found the book to be confusing and disjointed. The plot seemed to meander without a clear direction, and the characters felt lacking in depth. I struggled to connect with any of them, and as a result, I found it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I was disappointed with "Amulrt" and feel like I missed out on the supposed brilliance of Bolano's writing.
2. John - 1 star - I honestly don't understand the hype surrounding "Amulrt" by Roberto Bolano. The book was incredibly disappointing to me. The narrative was convoluted and hard to follow, with multiple storylines that didn't seem to connect or have any real purpose. The lack of clear direction made it a struggle to stay engaged, and I found myself questioning why I was even bothering to continue reading. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, further contributing to my overall disappointment. I would not recommend "Amulrt" to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Amulrt" by Roberto Bolano left me feeling unsatisfied and confused. The writing style felt disjointed, with abrupt shifts in perspective and tone that made it challenging to fully grasp the story. The plot lacked coherence, jumping between different threads without providing a clear resolution or payoff. Additionally, the characters felt underdeveloped and difficult to connect with. While I can appreciate Bolano's poetic prose at times, it wasn't enough to salvage my overall experience with the book. Unfortunately, "Amulrt" fell short of my expectations.