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Rafael Argullol

The Reason for Evil

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English Sample Available

Details

Acantilado

January 2015

224 pages

Narrative, Novel

Translation Rights

Serbian (Geopoeetika)
Italian (Lindau)

Original Title: La razón del mal

A strange phenomenon occurs in a prosperous cosmopolitan western city. Apparently just an annoying setback at first, it very quickly turns into a much more insidious threat, capable of overturning the citizens’ most intimate convictions. With this chronicle of a phenomenon which affects every strata of society, Argullol re-creates the process of its disintegration, from denunciation, fear and suspicion through to pillage, magic and superstition. In the midst of chaos, an amorous relationship is serenely constructed, immersed in the time required to restore a mythological painting in which the artist dares to invite the viewer to dream of another destiny for Orpheus and Eurydice. Argullol reminds the reader of the all-important value of lucidity and memory. Looking back, as Orpheus did, after he had rescued his beloved from Hades, does not necessarily lead to condemnation.

Prizes

Winner of the Nadal Prize, 1993

Praises

«The novel reflects on the dangers of irrationality and, more broadly, on memory and oblivion».
El País

«This is both an inquiry into evil and a reflection on irrationality».
La Vanguardia

«This book has an allegorical feel».
El Mundo

Discover other books from Rafael Argullol

English Sample Available

Details

Acantilado

January 2015

224 pages

Narrative, Novel

Translation Rights

Serbian (Geopoeetika)
Italian (Lindau)