Customer Reviews

The Garden of Secrets

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Borrowing the title from Hieronymous Bosch's painting as a way to present this book is cogent. Juan Goytisolo is considered Spain's foremost writer and if this small book, THE GARDEN OF SECRETS, is any indication, his standing is well supported.

To postulate the fate of a well know poet - Eusebio - who was close to Lorca and other writers during the Franco period of Spain, a poet who "disappeared" about the same time as Lorca, the author has gathered 28 literary people in a garden in Marrakesh to discuss the life and possible fates of the honored poet. We have, then, 28 versions of what happened to Eusebio, and the stories range from campy, to wild, to tragic, to nationalistic. Goytisolo is a linguist who mixes French, Arabic, Spanish - all the voices in the intrigue laden Marrakech, Morocco - and translates in footnotes and interactive conversations so that we never lose track of the story lines. This little book is somewhat like the story of the three blind men describing an elephant, or even the old Steve Allen show which featured characters from many periods sharing reponses to questions colored by their own histories. A delightful little diversion, this, and yet it is more. It is poetry, Spanish history, an exploration of the gay writers so prominent in Spanish history, and a beautiful introduction to the wonders of Marrakech. Credit must also be given to the translator - very sensitive work. If you are as unfamiliar with Goyistolo as I, thne I highly recommend this little book as a rapt starting point in your discovery of ANOTHER great writer of our times.