Juan Pablo Villalobos (And Other Stories)
The highly acclaimed and much-loved Mexican author Juan Pablo Villalobos is releasing his third comedic novel this August I’ll Sell You a Dog. Having already made Best of the Year lists throughout the Spanish-speaking world, many are calling this Villalobos’ most accomplished novel yet.
I’ll Sell You a Dog is a hilarious, clever, and at times meta, tale following the life of a 78-year-old retired taco seller (Teo) and his recent adventures in his new residency – the retirement home. The novel has an essence of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, and the narrator can be seen as an older version of Holden Caulfield as he fights not in a teenage rebellion, but in an older generation revolution. As said by Teo’s accomplice, “we’ve got nothing to lose, we’ve barely got any future left.”
It’s refreshing to read a tale from the perspective of the older generation, especially as it comes packaged as an easy read with a light and witty tone. Although the tale is translated from Spanish, it still contains a large amount of what one could call dry British humour, making it a great read for all audiences. Alongside starting the revolution, we follow Teo as he revolts against the formidable cockroaches in his home, and his nosey-neighbour Francesca who is powered by her cult-like literary salon. I’ll Sell You a Dog is an ingenious and funny tale, told by the protagonist who most certainly did not want to write a novel.
Price: £8.99. Info: www.andotherstories.org
words CHELSEA BROWNHILL