Book · 2020 · Fiction
The Black Cathedral
A Novel
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So I've got two books to talk about cuz I'm greedy but the first is the black Cathedral by marcial Gala and really wonderfully translated by Anna Kushner from the Spanish.
Why people recommend it
The Black Cathedral by Marcial Gala is a rich, polyphonic novel set in a Cuban neighborhood, revolving around the turbulent lives of the eccentric Magallanes family and the construction of a mysterious temple. On The Book Review podcast in an episode on July 18, 2024, titled Leslie Jamison on Jenny Offill’s ‘Weather’, Dave Kim shared his enthusiasm for the book as part of his reading selections. He specifically praised the exceptional quality of the English translation produced by Anna Kushner from the original Spanish text. The novel explores themes of ambition, community, violence, and redemption against the backdrop of political and social upheaval in Cuba, utilizing multiple narrative voices to capture the vibrant and chaotic spirit of the setting. Marcial Gala crafts a complex tapestry of neighborhood life, where divine ambitions and human flaws collide with devastating consequences. Dave Kim's recommendation drew well-deserved attention to the power of literary translation in bringing diverse international voices to English-speaking audiences, highlighting the novel's unique structure, immersive storytelling, and ability to illuminate the profound depths of human experience within a distinct cultural landscape.
Every mention
Dave Kim so I've got two books to talk about cuz I'm greedy but the first is the black Cathedral by marcial Gala and… 1
“so I've got two books to talk about cuz I'm greedy but the first is the black Cathedral by marcial Gala and really wonderfully translated by Anna Kushner from the Spanish”
