The Book of Murder by Guillermo Martínez – Review

Cover

The Book of Murder by Guillermo Martínez

By changing the title of the book in its English translation, from La muerte lenta de Luciana B. — ‘The slow death of Luciana B.’ — to The Book of Murder, the reader’s approach to the novel also shifts. It’s one of those odd cases where the English title isn’t so much wrong — it is appropriate enough — but makes for a very different reading of the book.

The Book of Murder is narrated by a moderately successful author. Ten years earlier he had broken his wrist and, unable to type, hired the young student Luciana to type his manuscript; his editor had suggested it, aware that Luciana was the typist of the more successful writer Kloster, who was away that month and did not need her services. That was the only time the narrator had any contact with her, but suddenly she’s resurfaced, desperately seeking his help.

The Book of Murder – Guillermo Martínez.