Review

“Mr. President” is a haunting journey through a surreal landscape that mirrors the absurdity of real-world politics. As our book club delved into its pages, we found ourselves immersed in a world where power corrupts absolutely and where the line between reality and fantasy blurs in unsettling ways.

One aspect that struck us all was Asturias’s masterful prose. The book is undeniably well-written, with each sentence crafted to evoke a visceral reaction from the reader. Despite being written in the early 20^th century, the themes it explores remain painfully relevant today. The parallels between the fictional regime depicted in the book and current political climates around the world are both stark and disheartening.

The scene involving a woman and her baby in prison was particularly difficult to stomach. It forced us to confront uncomfortable questions about morality and survival, prompting introspection about what we would do in similar circumstances.

For some members of our group, the presence of magical realism was initially off-putting. However, others appreciated its purpose in the narrative. It served as a powerful tool to underscore the surreal nature of the world Asturias created, drawing us deeper into the story regardless of our reservations.

Despite the surreal nature of the story, its themes of oppression and political injustice hit close to home for many readers. The parallels drawn between the events in the book and contemporary political landscapes, such as those in Russia with figures like Navalny, serve as a sobering reminder of the cyclical nature of history.

The new and recent translation of the book is exceptional, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Asturias’s rich prose. While some struggled with remembering all the minor characters, the varied cast added depth to the narrative, portraying a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, “Mr. President” is a powerful and thought-provoking read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, corruption, and the human condition. Its surreal, absurd world serves as a mirror to our own, reminding us that the struggles depicted in its pages are sadly still ongoing today. Asturias’s skilful blending of magical realism and social commentary creates a narrative that is as captivating as it is unsettling, leaving a lasting impact on all who dare to journey through its pages.

This fourth book of Season 24 scored 8 out of 10.

Nicola’s Book Club reading list

Season 24 – “Historical and Cultural Fiction” (Nov 2023 – Jun 2024)

“Segu” by Maryse Condé (Guadeloupe) *
“The Devils’ Dance” by Hamid Ismailov (Uzbekistan)
“Midnight Blue” by Simone van der Vlugt (Netherlands)
“Mr. President” by Miguel Angel Asturias (Guatemala)

Extra book:
“We Trade Our Night For Someone Else’s Day” by Ivana Bodrožić (Croatia)

* The book club favourite