Vargas Llosa: The war at the end of the world

There's a brief review of the new-ish FS edition in this week's TLS, by Nick Caistor. Only the end of the review is about the particular edition:

'..(WEW) was translated by Helen R. Lane, one of the very best of (translators of latin american works). Her English captures the apocalyptic lyricism of the Counselor and his followers, the simpler speech of the local north-easterners, and the refined formulations of Brazilian aristocracy. This handsome Folio Society edition also includes twelve colour illustrations, and a glossary of Brazilian botanical terms.'

Edited to remove an unintended touchstone, caused by conflicting conventions on use of square brackets, which are intended where you now see parentheses.

> 1

Removed message so as not to sidetrack thread.

I have not read my copy yet but I can certainly confirm the beauty of this edition. The binding is a lovely caramel brown.

Yes I have it as well and although still unread it is certainly a beauty.

The post Antonio removed was a recommendation for a book translated by Nick Caistor, the reviewer referred to in the OP. It is Traveller of the century by Andres Neuman, which has so far travelled only as far as my Amazon basket, but is very warmly reviewed in yesterday's Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jun/21/traveller-of-century-andres-neuman-r...

> 5

Thanks, affle; a very considerate gesture.

>5 affle: And reviewed in the current edition of the TLS. The book has migrated from my Amazon basket to my TBR pile (would that it were just a pile).

> 7

Have been trying to read the review online by taking advantage of the free offer but no such luck if one has registered and shown interest in knowing the price of a subscription...oh, well.

>8 drasvola:

Yes, I also tried that. Unfortunately, all I got was the first paragraph of the review - barely even a taster!

Never mind, there are plenty of other, excellent, reviews online. For example:
The Independent
The Wall Street Journal
The Onion AV Club
Three Percent (University of Rochester)
The New Republic

Needless to say, I've also ordered it. So many enablers, so little time to read :-)

> 9

Thanks for the links. I think you'll like the book...

I bought the War of the End of the World as part of my renewal offer and have just started it.
Judging by the size, 679 pages, and my current reading rate it will be a long time before I finish it. The 70 pages I've read so far I have enjoyed.

It's a monster alright John. I've read a bit about the background & setting in Bahia, so I'd be interested in how you get on.

I loved the book. It was a great read.

I first became aware of the events depicted by the Brazilian novelist Machado de Assisis while reading “A death in Brazil: A Book of Omissions,” by Peter Robb earlier this year. The events alluded to were fascinating and I certainly will consider purchasing the Folio addition of War at the End of the World.

>14 GoFurther:
That was my introduction as well! A fine book, as all of Robb's are in my experience.

I bought the FS edition because I loved the book on my first read a year or so ago. I'm looking forward to a re-read. They should do The Devil to Pay in the Backlands in a similar binding as they seem to be kindred subjects, it's on my "to be read" list, and it's been out of print for way too long in English.

>16 jveezer:
Seconded. Very hard to find title, one I'd love to try. Only question might be the quality of the translation available.

> 17

If you want to be adventurous, can't read Portuguese but you manage Spanish, the book is available here:

http://www.casadellibro.com/libro-el-gran-serton-veredas/9789871556083/1701074

>18 drasvola:
Thanks for the suggestion, Antonio. Alas I am equally incapable in both languages!