The Savage Detectives

by Roberto Bolaño; translated by Natasha Wimmer
The Savage Detectives cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Technical:
  • ID: 725
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-19
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
The Toro Times · 2022-03-22
breathtaking 4.75

The novel is vast and breathtaking, showcasing Bolaño's storytelling prowess. The reviewer appreciates the vivid portrayal of the Latin American diaspora and the thrilling narrative.

The Toro Times review describes 'The Savage Detectives' as a breathtaking and vast novel that showcases Bolaño's storytelling prowess. The reviewer is impressed by the vivid portrayal of the Latin American diaspora and the thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The novel's ability to blend history with a thrilling story is highlighted, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes the fine qualities of Bolaño's storytelling, which adds depth and richness to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The breathtaking, albeit vast novel exhibited the fine qualities of Bolaño's storytelling.

    It also demonstrated his elan, managing to vividly depict the Latin American diaspora.

    A gripping depiction of the Latin American diaspora in the last quarter of the twentieth century.

Tony's Reading List · 2013-05-30
engaging 4.00

The novel is a wild, fragmented journey through the lives of two poets, praised for its vivid characters and deep exploration of the poetic life. The structure is chaotic but engaging, capturing the essence of a generation of artists.

This review highlights how 'The Savage Detectives' is a thrilling and chaotic ride through the lives of Ulises Lima and Arturo Belano. The reviewer appreciates the novel's fragmented structure, which mirrors the disjointed lives of the characters. They particularly enjoy the vivid portrayal of the poetic life and the way Bolaño captures the spirit of a generation. However, they also note that the book's length and structure might be challenging for some readers. Overall, it's seen as a profound exploration of art and life, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    It's a 577-page roller-coaster of a novel, a bizarre, chopped-up account of the lives of two poets, Ulises Lima and Arturo Belano.

    The novel is wildly enjoyable (as well as, finally, full of lament), in part because Bolaño, despite all the game-playing, has a worldly,

    The novel is a gripping depiction of the Latin American diaspora in the last quarter of the twentieth century.

The Guardian · 2007-06-23
brilliant 4.50

The novel is a brilliant translation that captures the essence of Bolaño's poetic and troubled odyssey. The characters' journeys are vividly depicted, making it a captivating read.

The Guardian's review praises 'The Savage Detectives' for its brilliant translation, which brings out the poetic and troubled nature of Bolaño's work. The reviewer finds the novel's depiction of the characters' journeys to be vivid and captivating, making it a standout read. The review also highlights the novel's ability to capture the essence of the Latin American diaspora, providing a rich and immersive experience. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Quick quotes

    The poet's troubled odyssey is the dominant theme of both Last Evenings and Bolano's novel The Savage Detectives.

    Both brilliantly translated.

    The Savage Detectives is an oral novel, broken up into a brilliant opening diary about sexual and poetic initiation.

The New York Times · 2007-04-15
compelling 4.00

The novel is craftily autobiographical, capturing the essence of Bolaño's life and experiences. The narrative structure, though fragmented, adds depth to the story of these wandering poets.

The New York Times review highlights how 'The Savage Detectives' is deeply rooted in Bolaño's own life, making it a personal and introspective read. The reviewer appreciates the novel's structure, which, despite being fragmented, effectively portrays the chaotic and adventurous lives of the characters. The narrative's autobiographical elements add a layer of authenticity, making the story feel more vivid and immersive. The reviewer also notes the novel's ability to capture the essence of the Latin American diaspora, making it a compelling read for those interested in the cultural and historical context of the time.

Quick quotes

    Like much of his work, the novel is craftily autobiographical.

    Its first section is narrated in the form of a diary, by a 17-year-old poet named Juan García Madero.

    The novel's structure, though fragmented, adds depth to the story.

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