2666

by Roberto Bolaño; translated by Natasha Wimmer, Roberto Bolaño, translated by Natasha Wimmer
2666 cover
Good Books rating 3.94
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 740
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781466804821
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  • Published: 2013-07-09
  • Reviews: 4

Composed in the final years of Roberto Bolaño's life, 2666 is celebrated as his magnum opus, surpassing his previous works in its scope and depth. The novel introduces a rich tapestry of characters, from academics and convicts to a reclusive German novelist, all converging in the grimy, violent landscape of SantaTeresa, a fictional stand-in for Juárez. The city's underbelly is explored through their interconnected stories, revealing a world marred by the unsolved murders of hundreds of young factory workers. /n/n Bolaño's prose is both lyrical and unsettling, blending beauty with brutality as he delves into themes of violence, art, and the search for meaning. The novel's structure is as ambitious as its subject matter, shifting perspectives and timelines to create a mosaic of human experience against the backdrop of one of the world's most notorious crime hotspots.

Reviews
Rochester University · 2021-09-30
engaging 4.00

The book is wild, fun, and disturbing, but its length is deceptive as it reads quickly due to Bolaño's engaging style.

This review describes '2666' as a wild, fun, and disturbing read, noting that despite its length, it is surprisingly quick to get through. The reviewer attributes this to Bolaño's engaging style and the translator's ability to maintain fluency. They highlight the book's ability to captivate readers despite its dark themes and complex narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a unique and compelling read that stands out in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    It's wild, it's fun, it's disturbing.

    But this really is a book that reads fast, thanks in large part to Bolaño & Wimmer's style.

    The book's ability to captivate readers despite its dark themes and complex narrative is noteworthy.

Claire McAlpine's Blog · Claire McAlpine · 2015-09-27
complex 3.50

While highly regarded, the book may not be for everyone. It requires a committed reader willing to engage with its complex narrative.

Claire McAlpine from her blog acknowledges the high regard in which '2666' is held but cautions that it may not be suitable for all readers. She suggests that potential readers should explore a variety of reviews before diving in, as the novel's complexity and length require a significant commitment. McAlpine appreciates the novel's depth and the intricate web of narratives but acknowledges that it demands a dedicated and patient reader. She highlights the importance of understanding the book's context and themes to fully appreciate its merit.

Quick quotes

    It is a novel highly regarded by many.

    I would be reluctant to recommend it without the potential reader reading a variety of reviews.

    The novel's complexity and length require a significant commitment.

The Independent · 2009-02-01
rewarding 4.00

The book demands patience but is ultimately rewarding. It explores themes of violence and literature with a unique and compelling voice.

The Independent's reviewer acknowledges that '2666' is a challenging read due to its length and complexity. However, they believe it is well worth the effort, praising the novel's exploration of violence and literature. The reviewer highlights the unique voice of the book and its ability to captivate readers despite its daunting size. They suggest that patience and perseverance are key to fully appreciating the novel's depth and impact.

Quick quotes

    Patience and good eyesight are what you need to finish this 900-page gargantua of Latin American fiction.

    It's well worth persevering with this monumental work.

    The novel's exploration of violence and literature is both unique and compelling.

The Independent · 2009-01-09
rewarding 4.25

The novel is both prodigious in scope and profound in implication, ablaze with the passionate intensity of its composition. It is a challenging but rewarding read.

The Independent's reviewer describes '2666' as a novel that is both vast in scope and deep in its implications. The book's passionate intensity is palpable, making it a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. The reviewer notes that the novel's structure and themes are complex, requiring the reader's full attention. They appreciate the boldness of Bolaño's approach, even if it can be overwhelming at times. The book's exploration of violence and literature is seen as a significant contribution to contemporary fiction.

Quick quotes

    It is a novel both prodigious in scope and profound in implication, but a book ablaze with the furious passion of its own composition.

    At times, the sheer scale of the book can be daunting, but the rewards are immense.

    Bolaño's exploration of violence and literature is both haunting and thought-provoking.

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