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Kiss of the Spider Woman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

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Book Brief

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Manuel Puig

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Buenos Aires, Argentina • 1970s

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Manuel Puig’s novel Kiss of the Spider Woman, Luis Alberto Molina, a sociable hairdresser, and Valentin Arregui Paz, a reserved Marxist revolutionary, share a prison cell in Buenos Aires from September to October 1975, where they bond over Molina's retelling of movie plots, gradually forming an emotional and physical connection, despite their ideological differences and Molina's secret mission to spy on Valentin. The novel includes scenes of imprisonment and torture.

Mysterious

Emotional

Romantic

Bittersweet

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.2

19,953 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig is lauded for its compelling character development and innovative narrative structure that blends dialogue and storytelling. Critics appreciate its exploration of gender, sexuality, and political themes. However, some find the dialogue-heavy format challenging and the shifts in narrative style disorienting.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kiss of the Spider Woman?

A reader who would enjoy Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig likely appreciates complex character studies and explores themes of human connection amidst adversity. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez may find it impactful for its narrative depth and socio-political commentary.

4.2

19,953 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Molina

A sensitive and expressive homosexual window dresser who tells movie plots to escape reality. He has a deeply caring relationship with his mother and serves as a central figure in the narrative.

A dedicated political revolutionary held as a prisoner, who remains committed to his cause while forming an unlikely bond with Molina. His longing for a simpler, personal connection is evident through his memories of Marta.

A manipulative figure tasked with obtaining a confession from Valentin, who employs various tactics to achieve his goals. He appears to have a complex relationship with Molina, offering him certain allowances.

Valentin's former girlfriend, remembered for her independent choices and desire to live for love rather than political change. Her memory serves as a comforting escape for Valentin.

A married waiter who occupies Molina's fantasies as an idealized figure of masculinity. His true relationship with Molina remains ambiguous and is only detailed through Molina's perspective.

A loving and supportive figure in Molina's life, whose presence is a constant source of motivation and comfort for him. Her reactions at critical moments reveal her deep care for her son.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Buenos Aires, Argentina • 1970s

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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