Product Description

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...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43993 in Books
• Published on: 1993-04-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Review
Louis de Bernieres's brand of magical realism is a logical reaction to the manifest absurdity of day-to-day life in Latin America. In this sharp and spicy novel he takes on the big guns, church and state authority in evangelical overdrive. The heroes and heroines are life's quitters: former whores, unfrocked priests and ex-soldiers. The narrative jumps from a Mexican musician to a corrupt president to the anguished eponymous Cardinal in short, snappy chapters, with panache, wit, and a frank and robust carnality. The world invented in The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts continues to grow and bewitch. (Kirkus UK)

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 has written several novels including,The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts (Commonwealth Writers Prize, Best First Book Eurasia Region, 1991), Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord (Commonwealth Writers Prize, Best Book Eurasia Region, 1992), The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman, Red Dog and Birds Without Wings. De Bernieres was selected as one of the Granta twenty Best of Young British Novelists in 1993. Captain Corelli's Mandolin won the Commonwealth Writers Prize, Best Book,1995

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...