I read this immediately after reading another review on lit.salon and actually liked this more than 2666, the title aside. @lahinch describes the feeling of this book perfectly so really the only thing I have to say is I was surprised that major aspects of it mirror my specific interests (Italy, bodybuilding) and general temperament. It's a short book but gets across this feeling of dissociation and dread in a very powerful way.

I have a better impression of Bolaño after reading this. I don't know why I didn't like 2666 very much, the fact that I read it very quickly probably doesn't help. I also got like 1/5 throughThe Savage Detectives before getting confused and dropping it. Anyways I'm definitely open to reading more of his stuff now.