December Breeze
A masterful novel on womanhood in Colombia
Marvel Moreno author Charlotte Coombe translator Isabel Adey translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Published:3rd Nov '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This poignant novel delves into the lives of three women in 1950s Colombia, exploring themes of oppression and resilience. December Breeze offers a unique feminist perspective.
In December Breeze, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Lina, who reflects on the lives of three women in Barranquilla, Colombia, during the conservative 1950s. As Lina reminisces from her home in Paris, readers are drawn into a world filled with social gatherings at the Country Club and leisurely walks along Puerto Colombia's promenade. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic life lies a deeper story of suppressed sensuality and the harsh realities of oppression faced by Dora, Catalina, and Beatriz, who navigate the complexities of a patriarchal society.
The novel is not just a collection of memories; it is a profound exploration of Colombian society at a pivotal time. Lina’s obsessive recounting transforms personal anecdotes into a broader commentary on womanhood, class, and tradition. The narrative captures the fragility of the societal fabric in which these women exist, illustrating how their lives are intertwined with the cultural and historical context of their time.
Marvel Moreno distinguishes herself from her contemporaries through a boldly feminist lens, offering a narrative that is both precise and poetic. December Breeze immortalizes the events of a small seaside town while mirroring the intimate struggles of its inhabitants. The novel is a testament to the resilience of women and their fight against generations of misogyny, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with the reader long after the final page.
"Furiously feminine, raw and contemporary, Marvel Moreno lights up any literary canon with her savage portrayal: a delicate arbitrariness with which she narrated what she wanted, when she wanted, without asking anyone for permission." * Margarita García Robayo (author of Fish Soup) *
"Colombian writer Moreno (1939–1995) makes her English-language debut with a layered if diffuse story of late 1970s Colombia...Fans of the Latin American Boom will want to give this a look." * Publisher's Weekly *
"Moreno’s dense and incrementally meandering prose recites a litany of suffering layered upon suffering. Man’s inhumanity to (wo)man couldn’t be made any clearer." * Kirkus Reviews *
"One of the hundred most influential women in the history of Colombia." * Cromos magazine *
"Marvel Moreno has become one of the most renowned authors of contemporary Colombian literature." * La Prensa (Colombia) *
ISBN: 9781787704091
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
448 pages