Paradiso by José Lezama Lima
"Paradiso" is a dense and lyrical novel that delves into the life of a young Cuban man named José Cemí, exploring his intellectual and sensual coming-of-age against the backdrop of early 20th-century Havana. The narrative is rich with poetic language and complex imagery, weaving together themes of family, sexuality, and the search for identity. Through a series of vivid, dreamlike episodes, the protagonist's personal growth is paralleled with the cultural and historical evolution of Cuba itself, presenting a tapestry of philosophical reflections and a deep dive into the nature of reality, time, and existence.
The 1831st greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 1966
- Nationality
- Cuban
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 466
- Original Language
- Spanish
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- Alternate Titles
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This book is on the following 4 lists:
- 22nd on The 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century (Folha de São Paulo)
- 72nd on The Triangle’s 100 Best (The Publishing Triangle)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- William Gass’ Fifty Literary Pillars (A Temple of Texts: Essays (Book))