Personae : a novel

Sergio De La Pava’s debut novel was widely acclaimed, described as a “propulsive, mind-bending experience” and recognized as one of the best books of the year. In contrast, this new work is slim and focused, diverging from the expansive nature of his first. While the previous novel featured a singular, unforgettable protagonist, this one shifts among various perspectives, locations, and narrative styles. However, astute readers will recognize the same distinctive voice and energy in De La Pava’s writing. His sentences brim with absurd humor and a steadfast commitment to justice, guiding us through the story of a troubled psychic detective entangled in a murder case. The narrative evolves into a Sartrean exploration of responsibility, fate, and death, interspersed with humor. As the investigation unfolds from different angles, the intertwined lives and deaths become increasingly poignant, even as definitive answers elude us. Critics have heralded the author as a tremendous talent, and this new work, despite its brevity, proves even more surprising and challenging. With its ambition and fierce intelligence, it solidifies De La Pava's place in contemporary literature.