The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman: 3 (Latin American Trilogy, 3)

De Berniere's writing is just a joy to read. This story, the later part of a South American series, melds reality with a hint of the spiritual in what I assume is a Latin American style. His use of native ghosts and of jaguars as supernatural forces of good blends well into the narrative. He just loves his characters and is empathetic to even those who commit grievous crimes without condoning their actions; he accepts them for who they are. The world he creates, although it harbours severe cruelty and great sadness, in a hypothetical South American failed or failing state, is one that seems supremely logical and is always tempered by justice and love.

Let me lay my cards on the table. I have had more enjoyment reading Louis de Bernieres South American trilogy (of which this is the last) than any other book series. Ever. The juxtapositioning of farcical humour and searing heart ache is like a drug. I burst out loud reading of Don Emmanuel's entertainment of the British Ambassador. I had to stop and control myself when reading of the child deaths at the hands of the Catholic brigands. This is no ordinary author. This is no ordinary trilogy. The manner de Bernieres weaves matter-of-factness with ridiculous magic makes this book series like a new kingdom to explore. Do Jaguars really smell of strawberries and like chocolate? Do itinerate preachers levitate mid sermon? How do you control fifty Spanish Conquistadors that have just been defrosted from 300 years in a glacier? I have no idea where his ideas have come from. Coca leaves, perhaps? Just one important instruction (brought about by the frequent and brief references to previous chapters) - you must read the trilogy in the correct order: The War Of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman

Reading!

Read it. Buy the trilogy. Cannot recommend iy highly enough. Best books I've ever read n I read alot

The first two in the series were fab. De Bernières was running out of steam when he got to this one.

This is the third in the series which starts with The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts. It is the bloodiest of the three I think. Explains a lot about how zealots take over. Beautifully written and crafted as always. One minute you are cracking up and the next you are just reeling with horror. Only Louis de Bernieres can pull this off.

Another great book in the trilogy - highly recommend buying and reading all three at once (in quick succession if you can so you don't forget the characters in between!).

Nobody writes quite like Louis de Bernieres. I am gradually working my way through everything he's written. These stories are beautifully written, full of humour and pathos and magic.

Unfortunately this ends the series. I want to keep reading about these crazy people. This is a trilogy that MUST be read in order (1. The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts; 2. Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord). Without the first two parts, this book will make no sense at all. The author managed to hold my attention through all three volumes (most series seem to tail off after the first one). Though the books are commentaries on South American government/military/society they are driven by the characters. You can mentally see them as they go through the pleasures, pitfalls & perils of their lives. I was sorry to see the story end.

Very good insight to the people of the area

de Bernieres is one of the great writers of our time. His range is incredible, his prose superb!

The last book in the Latin America trilogy, and all were page turners and a pleasure to read.

Poor quality paper & font. Terrific story