Science Fiction Spirit

El espíritu de la ciencia-ficción

Douban

NeoDB

★The foundation of the literary universe of science fiction fan Bolaño, a youth poem comparable to "The Savage Detectives"

☆For Bolaño, science fiction not only means space travel, alien life, or predictions about future technology, but also means a free state of mind, a bright passion to fight against the dullness of life.

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Bolaño's early works are full of humor and the tragedy of a frustrated and destitute youth. Many elements and narrative structures that later appeared in his works can be found here.

Though titled "Science Fiction," this novel isn't science fiction in the typical sense. It revolves around 21-year-old Remo and 17-year-old Jan Serra, who move to Mexico City after the Pinochet government comes to power and live together in a small attic. Jan spends most of his time confined to his room, writing lyrical and delirious letters to his admired science fiction writers, sharing his life, his troubles, and his dreams. Remo, on the other hand, wanders Mexico City, researching, and partying with a diverse group of poet friends.

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While not science fiction, it nonetheless plays a significant role. Bolaño's signature story, featuring poets, recounts their ghostly, wandering lives within a cleverly woven triple narrative space and time, replete with the absurdity, despair, passion, perseverance, reflection, and rebellion that characterize youth. — Chen Qiufan

"The Spirit of Science Fiction" is a key to the jewel box of Bolaño's fiction, an index to the images he was obsessed with. Bolaño's devoted fans will undoubtedly enjoy this familiar cocktail of sadness and ecstasy. - The Paris Review

"The Spirit of Science Fiction" uses an unconventional structure to draw readers in to unravel its mysteries. ... (This book) is the foundation of Bolaño's universe. It is an entertaining, emotionally rich, and highly accomplished novel. - The Wall Street Journal

Bolaño paints a fascinating picture, extending from his poetry to the Beat literature represented by William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac. —The New Yorker

Rich in emotion, dry humor, and passion for the intersection of literature and life, we can see the outline of Bolaño's outstanding talent. - Kirkus Reviews

"The Spirit of Science Fiction" is a long letter from 31-year-old Bolaño to his 17-year-old self. —NPR

A small gem... Bolaño's vibrant passion for art, literature, women, and Mexico City takes concrete form in this novel. —The Washington Post

An intriguing and dreamy portrait of two young writers who, in different ways, pursue their shared love of literature and make their voices heard. —Publishers Weekly

2022-03-01

上海人民出版社

Century Wenjing

255

9787208175006