La Virgen de los Sicarios : Book Review

"La Virgen de los Sicarios" by Fernando Vallejo has been a highly contentious and provocative novel that shines a light on the violent reality of Medellín, Colombia. Set during the height of the city's drug cartels, the story follows the middle-aged gay narrator who becomes infatuated with a young hitman named Alexis, whom he affectionately calls his "little Sicilian Virgin."

Vallejo's writing style is both captivating and unsettling. Through a raw and unfiltered narrative, he delves into the dark underbelly of society, depicting Medellín as a city plagued by rampant crime and corruption. The author's use of dark humor adds a layer of irony and commentary to the brutal events that unfold throughout the novel.

The deteriorating relationship between the narrator and Alexis serves as the backdrop for Vallejo's exploration of themes such as love, violence, and the blurred lines between victimhood and perpetration. The characters are intricately developed with their own flaws and complexities, grappling with moral dilemmas as they navigate a world dominated by senseless killings and an ingrained culture of violence.

"La Virgen de los Sicarios" sharply critiques the Colombian government's failure to address the issues of drug trafficking and violence that have plagued the country. Vallejo's searing social commentary challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of a society torn apart by crime and inequality.

Overall, "La Virgen de los Sicarios" is a thought-provoking and intense novel that exposes the dark side of Medellín. Through its unyielding portrayal of violence and its repercussions on both victims and perpetrators, Fernando Vallejo offers a powerful critique of a society trapped in a seemingly unbreakable cycle of corruption and death.

What are readers saying?

Fernando Vallejo's book "La Virgen de los Sicarios" has garnered a wide range of reactions from readers. These diverse opinions showcase the controversial and emotionally charged nature of Vallejo's novel.

Some readers have praised Vallejo's writing style, commending his ability to create vivid and powerful descriptions of the violent and chaotic world of Medellín, Colombia. They appreciate the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the city's social issues, such as drug violence, corruption, and poverty. Additionally, many readers found the author's use of dark humor to be an effective tool in navigating the disturbing subject matter.

However, there are readers who found the book excessively violent and explicit. They expressed discomfort with the graphic depictions of murder and felt that it overshadowed the deeper messages Vallejo aimed to convey. These reviewers caution potential readers about the explicit content and advise those who are sensitive to violence to approach the book with caution.

The themes of love and redemption are topics that also arise in the reviews. Some readers appreciate the exploration of the complex relationship between the protagonist and the young hitman, seeing it as a metaphor for the struggles of the human condition. On the other hand, there are those who feel that the characters' actions and motivations are unrealistic and lack depth.

While some readers find the book to be a profound and thought-provoking reflection on society, others feel that the excessive violence and lack of character development hinder their engagement with the story. Overall, the reviews for "La Virgen de los Sicarios" reveal a divided readership with differing opinions on the novel's merits and drawbacks.

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