By Tomás Eloy Martínez
"Argentine writer Martinez's latest novel explores his country's
obsession with the legacy of Eva Peron, populist wife of former dictator Juan Peron. Let no reader assume, however, that this is a straightforward, chronologically strict novel about Evita from humble origins to early death. Primarily, this is the odd history of Evita's mummified body after her untimely death from cancer in 1952 at age 33. When his wife died, General Peron insisted her body be preserved for posterity; after his ouster, the powers who succeeded him as leaders of the country feared the possible use of Evita's body as a tangible symbol around which Peron's supporters might rally. In telling this almost macabre story of who did what with Evita's body and when, which is accomplished in a mixed-media format--a blend of fiction and documentary, essay and memoir--the author ultimately establishes a full portrait of Evita, emphasizing her impact on Argentine history both in life and after. A complex, challenging novel that lovers of Latin American fiction will applaud." Brad Hooper (Booklist).
Leader/Host: Sarah
Discussion Meeting: Wednesday May 11th (~6pm)
Location: Revolution Brewery (2323 N Milwaukee Ave-California Blue line stop)
http://revbrew.com/
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