61 pages • 2 hours read
The Lost Steps
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Book Brief
296
Novel • Fiction
South America • 1950s
1953
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Lost Steps by Alejo Carpentier follows an unnamed New York City composer who, disillusioned with modern life, embarks on a quest in South America to find Indigenous musical instruments. As he journeys deeper into the jungle, he seeks authenticity, heritage, and creativity, experiencing cultural displacement and exploring the boundary between civilization and nature.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
3,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alejo Carpentier’s The Lost Steps is praised for its rich, lyrical prose and deep exploration of identity and cultural displacement. Reviewers commend the vivid, atmospheric settings and philosophical depth. However, some criticize the pacing and complex narrative structure as challenging. Overall, it's lauded as a profound literary work with minor readability issues.
Who Should Read The Lost Steps?
Readers who enjoy exploring themes of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and the clash between civilization and nature will appreciate Alejo Carpentier's The Lost Steps. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness will find its rich, evocative prose and profound philosophical undertones compelling.
3,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
296
Novel • Fiction
South America • 1950s
1953
Adult
18+ years
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