Un tremendo material para acercarse a la obra de Vargas Llosa. El capítulo sobre La fiesta del chivo revela como vivió el autor la recepción del libro en República Dominicana. ( )

Conversation at Princeton, by Mario Vargas Llosa with Rubén Gallo and translated by Anna Kushner, brings together the writing process and literary criticism in the form of classroom discussions.

From Llosa discussing his research and writing processes, to Gallo bringing criticism and reception into the discussion, and students posing questions that often lead to even more insight, this volume has a little for everyone. If you're a fan of Llosa you will enjoy learning a little about what went into the novels under discussion (and a memoir). If you're a student, formal or informal, of literary criticism you will find the overall presentation both enlightening and enjoyable.

For a book that offers so much for formal learning, this is accessible for any reader with an interest. The dynamics of the classroom, while somewhat muted, makes for a fun read. I read this in tandem with The Call of the Tribe, a work with an entirely different focus, yet each improved my reading of the other. That said, if your interest is primarily in Llosa's writing and/or literary criticism, this is the book for you.

Highly recommended for those with an interest in Llosa, Latin American literature, literary criticism more broadly, as well as the writing process.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )