Vladimiro Dorfman is an author whose works delve into the complex issues of human rights and political oppression. His writing is characterized by incisive psychological depth and compelling narrative. Dorfman masterfully weaves personal stories with broader societal and historical events. Readers appreciate his ability to bring light to the darker corners of the human experience.
Set in Chile, the narrative explores the unique cultural and societal dynamics of the region through the eyes of its characters. The story delves into themes of identity and belonging, highlighting the distinct experiences that shape the lives of those living in this vibrant country. With a focus on local perspectives, it invites readers to understand the nuances of Chilean life, challenging preconceived notions and emphasizing the richness of its diversity.
"In this "murder mystery memoir," a Dutch billionaire and Holocaust survivor named Joseph Hortha hires writer "Ariel" to investigate Salvador Allende's mysterious death in the 1973 coup in Chile, in the hopes of discovering whether Allende committed suicide or was murdered. Dorfman takes us along a spectacular journey, from Washington, DC and New York City, to Santiago and Valparaíso, and finally to London. Along the way, we witness a midnight gravedigging scene, are tracked by stealthy stalkers, and interview sources of varying credibility to discover what transpired at La Moneda. Through this gripping investigation, Joseph and Ariel attempt to redeem themselves, as they are both plagued by guilt. While Joseph grapples with how he has made his fortune unwittingly destroying his beloved planet, Ariel is haunted by the fact that his absence at the coup led to the disappearance of his friend. What begins as a puzzling quest unwinds into a fabulous saga about our duties to the world, one another, and ourselves"-- Provided by publisher
Exploring themes of confinement and liberation, this short novel delves into the struggles of writers and creativity during the late 16th century. Against a backdrop of conflict between Islam and Christianity, it highlights the evolving roles of women and the harsh societal responses to dissent and crime. Through its meditation on the constraints of both mind and body, the narrative reveals the complexities of creativity in a tumultuous era.
The story of a mean and narcissistic king is both uproariously funny and distressingly on point, will be enjoyed by children and their parents. "Rabbits don't exist." So decrees the new king, the Wolf of all Wolves, after conquering the rabbits' homeland. He refuses to allow even one small, fluffy tail or long, soft ear into his kingdom. He orders the birds to broadcast this message far and wide. And he summons the old monkey to photograph him in his royal finery, performing his royal deeds. But in his darkroom, the monkey sees something strange developing in the photos. Is that a floppy ear? Whose grinning bunny teeth are those? How could it be? Ariel Dorfman's first children's book, THE RABBITS" REBELLION, is a remarkable and mischievous allegory of truth and justice triumphing over political chicanery. Set in a magical animal kingdom and illustrated by the great Chris Riddell, this is a story that will have children roaring with laughter and parents raising an eyebrow with recognition.
From the author of Death and the Maiden and other works that explore relations of power in the postcolonial world comes the story of a man whose distant past comes to haunt him. Is the sordid story behind human zoos that flourished in Europe in the nineteenth century connected somehow to a boy's life a hundred years later? On Fitzroy Foster's fourteenth birthday on September 11, 1981, he receives an unexpected and unwelcome gift: when his father snaps his picture with a Polaroid, another person's image appears in the photo. Fitzroy and his childhood sweetheart, Cam, set out on a decade-long journey in search of this stranger's identity—and to reinstate his own—across seas and continents, into the far past and the evil and good that glint in the eyes of the elusive visitor. Seamlessly weaving together fact and fiction, Darwin's Ghosts holds up a different light to Conrad's "The horror! The horror!" and a different kind of answer to the urgent questions, Who are we? And what can we do about it?
"A multifaceted journey that is geographical, personal and political . . . A complex, nuanced view of United States–Latin American politics and relations of the last forty some years." — Durham Herald-Sun"One of the most important voices coming out of South America." — Salman RushdieIn September 1973, the military took power in Chile, and Ariel Dorfman, a young leftist allied with President Allende, was forced to flee for his life. In Feeding on Dreams , Dorfman portrays, through visceral scenes and with startling honesty, the personal and political maelstroms that have defined his life since the Pinochet coup. Dorfman’s wry and masterfully told account takes us on a page-turning tour of the past several decades of North-South political history and of the complex consequences of revolution and tyranny, excavating for the first time his profound and provocative journey as an exile and the consequences for his wife and family."Fascinating." — San Francisco Examiner"A great book that will simultaneously undo us and sustain us." — Tikkun
The tale of a man and a woman who have entered purgatory - a soul-less white
room. Each is interrogated in turn by the other. Each has to reach a state of
forgiveness and contrition before they can leave purgatory and move on.
Exploring themes of identity and disguise, the narrative intertwines the lives of a nameless man who reveals hidden truths through photography, Oriana, a pursued beauty haunted by her past, and Doctor Mavirelli, a manipulative plastic surgeon. As their fates converge, the story builds towards a dramatic unmasking, revealing the complexities of perception and the impact of appearance on personal and societal dynamics.
This book presents a compelling argument urging Americans to deepen their understanding of the nation's role on the global stage. It explores themes of identity, responsibility, and interconnectedness, encouraging readers to reflect on their impact and engage more thoughtfully with international issues. Through insightful analysis, it aims to foster a more informed and empathetic perspective on America's position in a complex world.
