The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda

So this is a love story supposedly, with innumerable sup-plots. Every time a new character shows up we get yet another tangent. Whats odd is that not only do the actual characters get bored with some of the sub-stories but the author apologises to the reader at least ten times about how repetitive it can get.. and then continues on in the same way as before :( .
Most of the plots involve someone being forced into a marriage they don't want. The people who can't take no for an answer being both men and women but mostly men of course. This leads to one of the ironic highlights because the main love tale when you finally learn all the facts isn't exactly Romeo and Juliette thats all i'll say :) .

The main plot starts in the middle and is show more filled out bit by bit in flashback which is a good technique i felt.
Other items in the plus column are that the sub-plots or episodes in the main plot are all very short. So if you don't like something don't worry it won't be there for long. The story is also quite random or at least unpredictable in its turns, which i generally consider a good thing.

The best thing about the book however is its world building, which bares about as much relation to real history or geography as that of Robert E.Howards stories do :D .
A low 3 stars, its a mess, but enjoyable enough. show less

Cervantes, Obra completa 18. Con disquete

LOS TRABAJOS DE PERSILES Y SEGISMUNDA ; VIAJE DEL PARNASO

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