The Savage Detectives

A compelling journey unfolds in The Savage Detectives, as two men search for a legendary poet while navigating a world filled with rebels and dreamers.

Set against the backdrop of New Year’s Eve in 1975, The Savage Detectives follows the journey of two men fleeing Mexico City in a borrowed white Impala. Their mission is to find the elusive poet Cesárea Tinajero, a figure shrouded in myth and mystery. As they traverse the landscape of their quest, they encounter a myriad of characters who share their stories, each adding layers to the narrative and the legend of Tinajero. The pursuit weaves through the complexities of love, rebellion, and the search for identity in a tumultuous world.

Over the course of twenty years, the protagonists remain on the run, their lives intertwined with a generation of poets and dreamers who have been influenced by their journey. The Savage Detectives is not merely a tale of adventure; it is an exploration of the human condition, the yearning for connection, and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth. The testimonies of lovers, rebels, and readers create a rich tapestry that captures the essence of Latin American literature.

Translated by Natasha Wimmer, this remarkable novel showcases Roberto Bolaño's unique ability to blend politics, poetry, and melancholia. Critics have hailed him as a game changer, whose work shifts perspectives and evokes deep emotional responses. In The Savage Detectives, readers are invited to experience a narrative that is both dazzling and profound, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.