‘Some men have luck, some men have charisma. I’ve got both. I’m the best auction caller in the world, my name is Gustavo Sanchez Sanchez and this is the story of my teeth.’
Gustavo ‘Highway’ Sanchez is a man with a mission: he is planning to replace every last one of his unsightly teeth. He has a few skills that might help him on his way: he can imitate Janis Joplin after two rums, he can interpret Chinese fortune cookies, he can stand an egg upright on a table, and he can float on his back.
Written with elegance, wit and exhilarating boldness, Valeria Luiselli takes us on an idiosyncratic and hugely enjoyable journey that offers as insightful meditation on value, worth and creation, and the points at which they overlap.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and so funny in parts that it made me laugh out loud. I can only liken it to a piece of modern art that someone has to explain to you at the end which I presume was the point of the exercise. As such it worked incredibly well. This was an entertaining read and if you have been to Mexico and know a little of the country that helps, although it is not at all necessary. All in all it’s a quite bizarre and eccentric tale but when you read the explanation afterwards it all makes complete sense. Well , almost.
It is beautifully written with an engaging central character and you really want him to succeed in his attempt to replace his ugly teeth and improve his life.
I found the afterword incredibly interesting. The story being written as a serial to read to workers in the juice factory in the style of Cuban ‘tobacco readers’ of the 19th century. The tobacco readers would read aloud to workers while they made cigars, to relieve the tedium of repetitive labour. Emile Zola and Victor Hugo were particular favourites.
This would be a great book club read as I am sure it would create plenty of discussion and divided opinion – just as good art should do.