Novel Set In Argentina Kiss Of The Woman
Introduction
Kiss of the Woman is a novel set in Argentina, written by Manuel Puig. The book was first published in 1976 and has since become a classic of Argentine literature. The novel is told through the alternating perspectives of two male characters, Molina and Valentin, who are both serving time in a Buenos Aires prison.
The Plot
The novel explores the relationship between Molina and Valentin as they share a cell. Molina is a flamboyant homosexual who is serving time for corrupting a minor. Valentin, on the other hand, is a political prisoner who is part of a revolutionary group fighting against the government.
As the two men spend more time together, they begin to open up to each other. Molina tells Valentin about his love for movies and starts to recount his favourite films to him. Valentin, initially disinterested in Molina's stories, slowly begins to warm up to him and they become friends.
Throughout the novel, Molina continues to tell Valentin stories about movies, but he also starts to share his own personal experiences. Molina reveals that he was in love with a man named Gabriel, who ultimately betrayed him.
Valentin, who is initially hostile towards Molina, slowly begins to trust him. The two men become close, and Molina starts to share more about his past. He tells Valentin about his childhood and how his mother used to beat him. Valentin, in turn, shares stories about his own life and his struggles as a revolutionary.
The Themes
The novel explores several themes, including love, betrayal, politics, and the power of storytelling. Molina's love for movies becomes a metaphor for his own life, as he tries to make sense of the world through storytelling.
The novel also explores the theme of betrayal, as Molina is betrayed by his lover Gabriel, and Valentin is betrayed by his own government. The two men find solace in each other's company, and their friendship becomes a source of comfort in a difficult and oppressive environment.
Politics is another major theme of the novel, as Valentin's revolutionary beliefs clash with Molina's desire for escapism. The two men come from very different worlds, but they are able to find common ground through their shared experiences in prison.
The Legacy
Kiss of the Woman has become a classic of Argentine literature, and it has been translated into several languages. The novel was adapted into a film in 1985, directed by Hector Babenco and starring William Hurt and Raul Julia.
The book's exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and politics has resonated with readers around the world, and it continues to be a popular and influential work of literature.
Conclusion
Kiss of the Woman is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of love, betrayal, and politics through the eyes of two very different men. The book has become a classic of Argentine literature and continues to be widely read and admired by readers around the world.