Dos crímenes : Book Review

In Jorge Ibargüengoitia's "Dos crímenes" (Two Crimes), readers are taken on a captivating and thought-provoking journey through the life of Juan García, a middle-aged man caught up in a series of unfortunate events. Seamlessly blending elements of black comedy, social satire, and crime fiction, this darkly humorous novel offers a unique perspective on the human condition.

The story revolves around Juan as he becomes entangled in two separate murders, one in which he is directly involved, and one in which he unwittingly becomes an accomplice. Through these crimes, Ibargüengoitia delves into themes of greed, betrayal, and the destructive power of human nature. Juan's attempts to cover up his tracks and avoid the consequences of his actions provide a backdrop for the author's sharp observations on Mexican society and politics.

Ibargüengoitia's writing style is witty and engaging, filled with clever wordplay and skillfully crafted dialogue. His ability to balance humor with the dark subject matter is one of the novel's greatest strengths. Throughout the book, the author's keen eye for social commentary is evident, as he exposes the hypocrisy and corruption present in Mexican society without sacrificing his comedic touch.

The characters in "Dos crímenes" are well-developed and unique, each with their own quirks and flaws. Juan García, in particular, is a deeply flawed yet strangely sympathetic character. His fumbling attempts to navigate the treacherous world he finds himself in are both comical and poignant, making him a relatable protagonist despite his questionable decisions.

Overall, "Dos crímenes" is a satirical and entertaining novel that offers a fresh perspective on crime and society. Ibargüengoitia's masterful blend of humor, social commentary, and crime fiction creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Whether one is a fan of dark comedy or simply enjoys a well-crafted story, this book is definitely worth a read.

What are readers saying?

"Dos crímenes" by Jorge Ibargüengoitia has received a variety of reviews from readers. The overall consensus is that the book is cleverly satirical, with a dark and unique sense of humor. However, opinions have been divided on the writing style, with some finding it challenging and others praising the author's ability to captivate the audience.

One common theme among reviews is Ibargüengoitia's exceptional storytelling skills. Many readers were impressed by his talent for creating suspense and keeping them engaged. The plot was described as intriguing and unpredictable, making it difficult to put the book down.

The characters in "Dos crímenes" also garnered praise from reviewers. Ibargüengoitia's ability to develop complex and memorable characters was commended. Readers found them to be relatable and thought-provoking, adding depth to the story.

However, some readers found the writing style of "Dos crímenes" to be challenging. They struggled to fully grasp the intended message due to the author's use of irony and satire, which led to confusion and frustration. This made it difficult for these readers to connect with the story and its themes.

Despite these criticisms, many readers appreciated the dark sense of humor prevalent throughout the book. Ibargüengoitia's skill in finding humor in serious situations was praised, adding a unique and refreshing element to the story.

DosCrímenes MexicanNoir CrimeFiction