If you love novels built on the bones of real history, with a touch of poetic strangeness and interconnected stories, this is a gem. The book centers on Ludo, who bricks herself into her apartment during Angola’s revolution, surviving for decades. It weaves her story with those of revolutionaries, survivors, and ordinary citizens whose lives intersect in surprising ways. The prose is often described as vivid, delicate, and laced with subtle humor, while the translation is widely praised. Fans of fragmented, non-linear narratives (think Marquez or Ondaatje), and readers interested in Angola’s history or the resilience found in isolation and connection, will be riveted.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the structure too fractured, making it hard to connect with the characters or follow the shifting perspectives. The prose style can lean toward the ornate, which might not suit those who prefer straightforward storytelling. If you want a tight, conventional plot or deep character introspection for everyone (not just Ludo), this might not satisfy. It’s also possible to feel a little lost among the many vignettes or to miss out on the emotional punch if you’re not invested in the episodic, patchwork approach.

A beautifully strange, vividly told novel about isolation and interconnectedness, set against the backdrop of Angola’s turbulent history. Short, poetic, and definitely worth a try - especially if you enjoy unconventional storytelling.

About:

'A General Theory of Oblivion' by Daniel Hahn and Jose Eduardo Agualusa is a novel that follows the life of Ludovica (Ludo), a Portuguese woman who becomes agoraphobic and isolates herself in her apartment in Luanda, Angola, during the country's civil war and revolution. The book weaves together interconnected stories of various characters caught in Ludo's orbit, showcasing their experiences during historical events and the bonds forged among them. The writing style is described as warm, humorous, and haunting, focusing on the impact of great passions while maintaining a muffled and distant tone that reflects the characters' disconnected and drained feelings post-revolution.

Characters:

Characters are vividly portrayed, particularly Ludo, whose isolating experiences connect with various other lives, revealing their interconnectedness.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by beauty and humor, though some consider it overly clever or ornate at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a woman who isolates herself in her apartment amidst the chaos of a civil war, weaving together various narratives that showcase the interconnectedness of lives.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in post-colonial Angola, capturing the chaos of revolution while reflecting on personal isolation.

Pacing:

The pacing is marked by short vignettes that may cause some confusion, yet allow for a rich, layered exploration of the narrative.

Ludovica never liked having to face the sky. When still only a little girl, she was horrified by open spaces. She felt, upon leaving the house, fragile and vulnerable, like a turtle whose shell had be...

Notes:

The story revolves around a Portuguese woman named Ludo who bricks herself into her apartment in Angola during the independence revolution in 1975.

Ludo lives in isolation for nearly 30 years, surviving on self-grown vegetables and trapped pigeons.

The novel is structured as a series of interconnected vignettes, blending Ludo's story with those of other characters in Angola's tumultuous history.

Ludo writes her thoughts and feelings on the walls of her apartment, creating a narrative that reflects her inner life amidst external chaos.

The book explores themes of memory, forgetting, and the interconnectedness of human experience, emphasizing that no one lives in isolation.

It combines historical events with Ludo's personal reflections, using subtle humor even while addressing heavy topics like war and torture.

Despite its fictional elements, the story is inspired by true events related to Ludovica Fernandes Mano, a real Portuguese woman.

The novel has been praised for its lyrical writing and engaging storytelling, attracting comparisons to the works of Gabriel García Márquez.

It was translated into English by Daniel Hahn and has received nominations for prestigious literary awards like the Man Booker International Prize and the Best Translated Book Award.

The book provides a unique perspective on the Angolan civil war, shedding light on the individual experiences of its characters rather than focusing solely on historical events.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers and content warnings include themes of violence, war, PTSD, isolation, and psychological trauma.

From The Publisher:

As the country goes through various political upheavals from colony to socialist republic to civil war to peace and capitalism, the world outside seeps into Ludo's life through snippets on the radio, voices from next door, glimpses of someone peeing on a balcony, or a man fleeing his pursuers.

A General Theory of Oblivion is a perfectly crafted, wild patchwork of a novel, playing on a love of storytelling and fable.

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A General Theory of Oblivion

Daniel Hahn, José Eduardo Agualusa

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