Concierto Para Sordos

Cuban exile Montes-Huidrobo has been nominated for numerous awards and received the Premio Cafe Gij""n in 1997. This surreal novel is set against the backdrop of the venerable Cementerio de Col""n (Col""n Cemetery), a microcosm of Cuban society and history. Garroted for reasons unknown to him, the protagonist tells his story from a coffin, in an account that presents the tumultuous history of Cuba from its indigenous and colonial past, through its Afro-Cuban components, to its contemporary revolutionary history. Montes-Huidrobo combines magic realism and stream-of-con- sciousness in a style that not only gives his writing substance but also shows his superb command of the Spanish language. The style is somewhat overused, however; in some sections, additional dialog would have made the protagonist's tedious descriptions and inner thoughts more dynamic. This is a very Cuban novel that explores the island's history, music, and religion and mixes historical figures with fictional ones. Readers not well versed in Cuban history and society may have difficulties understanding some of the passages and cultural references. Recommended for libraries with Spanish-language literature collections and for book- stores interested in Cuban history and culture. Sandra Mart!n Arnold, Los Angeles, CA