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42 pages 1 hour read

Carlos Fuentes, Transl. Alfred J. MacAdam

The Death of Artemio Cruz

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Set against the Mexican Revolution, The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes explores the life of Artemio Cruz, an orphaned peasant who ascends from a revolutionary soldier to a corrupt and wealthy politician, reflecting on his life from his deathbed. The novel is structurally complex, with non-linear chapters and varied narrative voices, capturing Cruz's internal and external struggles. The book discusses war and death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Carlos Fuentes' The Death of Artemio Cruz, translated by Alfred J. MacAdam, is praised for its innovative narrative structure and rich, evocative language. However, some find the shifting perspectives disorienting. The translation captures the novel's essence, though it challenges readers unfamiliar with Mexican history. Overall, a compelling but demanding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Death of Artemio Cruz?

Readers who appreciate The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes are typically intrigued by complex narratives and historical contexts. Comparable to García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Vargas Llosa's The Feast of the Goat, this novel will fascinate those interested in Latin American history, political intrigue, and rich, multifaceted characters.

Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mexico • 20th Century

Theme
Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1020L

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