38 pages • 1 hour read
Kiss of the Spider Woman
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Buenos Aires, Argentina • 1970s
1976
Adult
18+ years
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
19,953 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
19,953 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Buenos Aires, Argentina • 1970s
1976
Adult
18+ years
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