Pequeñas infamias. (Small Infamies)
Reviewed by Carolyn Kost, Stevenson Sch. Lib., Pebble Beach, CA -- Críticas, 8/15/2008
Posadas, Carmen.
U.S.: Planeta & Rayo: HarperCollins (Esenciales). 2008. ISBN 978-0-06-1565397. 371p. pap. $15.95. FICTION
CLASSIC RETURNS
Posadas (Uruguay, 1953) won Spain’s prestigious Premio Planeta for this international best seller when it first appeared in 1998. This reissue, part of Rayo’s “Esenciales” series, contains a biographical note, a brief interview with the author, and discussion questions for book groups. Privy to dangerous secrets, the chef is found dead in the freezer. Three of the diners—hostess Adela, whose bad choice of lovers has had dire consequences; host Antonio, who collaborated with Argentina’s military dictatorship; and judge Serafín, who has pederastic proclivities—may be willing to commit murder to hide past indiscretions that plague their consciences and threaten their social standing. Side dishes in this feast include a certain portrait that inspires passion forbidden on a variety of levels, a Brazilian spiritualist spouting prophesies, and a rebellious traitor to her class haunted by her deceased brother. Serendipity is a staple in the mystery writer’s pantry, and “coincidences are like soufflés: they won’t rise if someone doesn’t whip, beat, or somehow make the egg whites into stiff peaks.” Posadas masterfully concocts a delicious and hilarious novel with complex flavors certain to please the gourmet mystery lover and gourmand reader. This is not to be missed. Enthusiastically recommended for all bookstores and public libraries in Spanish and English versions.
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