Makbara

First published in 1980, Makbara demonstrates a radical use of linguistic and structural experimentation. Now that Goytisolo has loosened his ties to his mother country (since completing the Mendiola trilogy), his search for his "authentic self" is challenged by the indomitable formalizations of the spoken language. The pleasure of reading Makbara comes from a reading which does not depend on such linguistic verbal formalities, and deciding whether other forms of communication are possible. This novel is intricate and challenging on all levels in accord with Goytisolo's intent that his writing is not for everyone to read.