A review by cbarsotti
The Lady Matador's Hotel by Cristina García

3.0

The writing of Garcia is entrancing as always. While 'unnamed' the land of The Lady Matadors Hotel reminds me very much of Guatemala. I wonder if this was a personal impression and if not I wonder why not outright claim the land as Guatemala? The vagueness seemed forced and I found it hard to attach myself to the plight of this country and I wonder if Garcia is uncomfortable talking boldly about a country outside of Cuba (which is heavily referenced). This vagueness continues as there are many character storylines going on at once. It becomes difficult to perceive any depth in any of them and even the title Matadora is hardly fulfilled as a character.