Recordando a Lampe

In 1996 de Juan won Spain's Premio Juan March Cencillo de Novela Breve for El apicultor de Bonaparte (Bonaparte's Beekeeper), a fictionalized biography of Napolean told from the perspective of an employee. This work, which won the Gran Angular Prize in 2000, takes a similar approach to portraying an important historical figure. Here, de Juan explores the contrast between German philosopher Immanuel Kant's expansive thoughts and his narrow daily existence by reimagining his relationship with his servant, Lampe. As the author of one of the greatest theoretical revolutions, Kant explored uncharted paths of thought without ever leaving his native town of Konigsberg. De Juan sees him as a man full of obsessive thoughts who defends himself against lurking chaos by meticulously performing his routine, which Lampe helps him conduct like a pathetic master of ceremonies. As different as Don Quixote and Sancho Panza but mutually dependent in spite of their loathing for each other, they exemplify the paradox of human nature. When Lampe is dismissed after 40 years of service, he abruptly assassinates his replacement. De Juan recontructs the motive for this act of vengeance with a smooth and compelling mixture of historical research and fiction. Though this book can be read as a philosophical reflection on human misery, it also has the attraction of a thriller. Recommended for all bookstores and libraries. Adriana Herrera, Miami, FL