Product Description

From the author of Captain Corelli's Mandolin: `An extraordinary feat of imagination . . . a sensuous, often farcical and ultimately optimistic argument for spiritual sanity.' Time Out. Read by Richard Griffiths.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #94369 in Books
• Published on: 1993-04-29
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Synopsis
While the economy of his small South American country collapses, President Veracruz joins his improbable populace of ex-soldiers, former guerrillas, unfrocked priests and reformed - though by no means inactive - whores, in a bizarre search for sexual fulfilment. But for Cardinal Guzman, a man tormented by his own private daemons, their stupendous, hedonistic fiestas represent the epicentre of all heresies. Heresies that must be challenged with a horrifying new inquisition destined to climax in a spectacular confrontation...

About the Author
Louis de Bernieres is most famous for Captain Corelli's Mandolin which is consistently at the top of all bestseller charts - and has been for three years. The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts, Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord and The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman were his first three novels. He lives in London.

Richard Griffiths is highly respected for his work in theatre, television and film. His film credits range from CHARIOTS OF FIRE, to GOLDENEYE; he has recently completed a very successful run of KATHERINE HOWARD in Chichester, and is renowned for his portrayal of Henry Crabb in BBC TV's PIE IN THE SKY.

Customer Reviews

A Wonderful Book, Amusing and Profound
This book achieves so much, at least matching the achievement of the second part ('Nether Parts') of the trilogy. Why it's not better known than 'Captain Corelli' I don't know, unless it's to do with the teasing nature of the titles chosen for the trilogy. This is a veritable feast of humanity and spirituality, poking fun at all of the self-important things of life, such as religion and politics, while at the same time provoking lasting thoughts about the human and spiritual need for such institutions. Magic and the impossible are easily assimilated, without apology, into the detailed plot. Don't be put off by the complex range of characters and places with unfamiliar South American names - even a little effort here pays enormous dividends! This is a truly enriching book!

Genius
I sometimes wonder if De Bernieres is mad or a true genius... and I think that genius wins out. This is the third in a trilogy but it can definitely be read without having read the other two.

The humour in this novel is so subtle but hilarious all the same and the triumph of the people involved against all the odds makes you believe that even the most hopeless situation can be resolved in your favour.

The only health warning I'd issue is with the large number of characters. If you don't have an hour or two spare to get into it when you start the book it can be quite difficult to remember who everyone is and where they are later on. But, if you read a large chunk at the beginning it's no issue!

Everything you could ever ask for
The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman has everything you could possibly want from a book. It's full of miracles and tragedies, magic and reality, humour and solemnity, romance and conflicts. Louis de Bernieres is an extremely talented writer and for those of you who have only read Captain Corelli's, be prepared to be blown away...