Guano A Novel
Guano A Novel by Louis Carmain, published by Coach House Books in 2015, is a work of fiction that intertwines themes of love, war, and the historical context of 1862. The narrative follows Simon, a ship’s recorder on a military expedition, as he navigates his feelings for the enigmatic Montse amidst the backdrop of Spain’s reluctance to relinquish control over Peru and its valuable guano resources. The story captures the complexities of Simon’s desires and the escalating military tensions, all while he grapples with his inability to express his feelings through letters.
Readers will find a sardonic tale that blends elements of historical and literary fiction, exploring the intersection of personal and political conflicts. The novel presents a unique perspective on the era, highlighting the absurdities of war and the intricacies of human relationships. With a page count of 140, this edition offers a concise yet rich reading experience, inviting readers to reflect on the interplay of love and duty in a tumultuous time.
Official synopsis Publisher
Bartleby the Scrivener meets Catch-22 in this charmingly sardonic tale of love, war and fertilizer.
WINNER OF THE PRIX DES COLLAGIENS
Simon turned his thoughts to her daily. There were few enough
of them, but each one lingered. He imagined their life together.
Sometimes even their children’s lives. Sometimes he set his fantasies in Spain, sometimes America, less often Peru- so many settings, all of which turned into the bedroom, eventually.
It’s 1862, and Spain is a little rueful about letting Peru have their independence. Or, more importantly, letting Peru have the guano – ‘white gold’ – on the Chincha Islands. Simon is the ship’s recorder on a scientific – okay, military – expedition when he meets, in Callao, the mysterious Montse. She asks of him only that he write her letters. Which he utterly fails to do. As military tensions escalate, so does Simon’s unabated lust for Montse – even if he can’t bring himself to do anything about it.
“A novel that makes you want to read long passages out loud – or at least memorize snippets, just for the music of the words of Québec writer Louis Carmain.” — La Presse (translated from the French)
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