2666

2666 by Roberto Bolaño translated Natasha Wimmer

This is a long book that the author at one time envisioned publishing as multiple books. He died before it was finished and his heirs decided to publish it as one thing. The various sections of the book tell their own stories that are somewhat related together. There are sections discussing the life and romantic experiences of an author. One section goes back to World War II and talks about experiences in Nazi controlled areas and the experiences complying with Nazi policies and "taking care of" Jewish populations. A significant section of the book covers crime in a Mexican town. This starts with the experience of a African American journalist that is sent to cover a boxing match and then gets interested in the the cases. Then there is a section about the murders. There is a criminal that goes crazy in churches. Later there are women that are mysteriously killed. Most have few external connections. Their bodies are often discovered long after their deaths. Eventually an American detective comes in to help resolve the crimes.

I was most interested in the middle section of the novel. Scott Brick always does a great job narrating. Parts at the start and end were not quite as appealing.