The Last Night I Spent with You

The Last Night I Spent With You is a provocative tale in which a husband and wife, Fernando and Celia, who have just married off their 23 year-old daughter Elena, embark on a Caribbean cruise that is full of adventure and secrecy. As they embark on this journey, they come into contact with a mysterious woman by the name of Julieta, who sparks a series of events that lead to this husband and wife turning various fantasies and obsessions into a reality. Mayra Montero delivers this story in such a descriptive and illustrative manner that at times it becomes difficult to put the book down. Montero uses references to several bolero songs to help in visualizing various scenes. She uses different stigmas and stereotypes of woman, men and blacks to add humor to this erotic novel. The reference to Caribbean culture and rituals can be seen throughout the novel. While on the trip Celia tries to deal with the guilt of having an affair while trying to take care of her sick father 14 years ago. She also tries to deal with an obsession that would not arouse most. On the other hand, Fernando has let go of all inhibitions and goes on a round of adventures with Julieta. The two fulfill their wildest dreams with others instead of one another. Within the story of Fernando and Celia, a series of letters appear in each chapter, which ultimately comes together in the story and leads to an ending that will have you begging for more. The Last Night I Spent With You is a book like no other that goes deep into the minds of your average everyday older couple who decides that it is time for them to move on after their child leaves the nest to embark on his or her own journey in life. This book explains the sexual hunger that never seems to leave, even as you become older.

Montero tells the story of a married couple that embarks upon a cruise to rekindle their love for one another. As the vacation gets into full swing both Celia and Fernando are encompassed by their lustful fantasies of others. Montero's clever use of music (boleros) helps to enhance the vivid imagery and sensuality of the story. What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway turns out to be more than Celia and Fernando could have ever imagined. Ironically, it is lust and infidelity that strengthen the relationship between the aging lovers. Despite their interactions with others the couple remains together and in love. The relationship between Angela and Abel shows a softer side of Montero's writer and gives a different view of forbidden love. Filled with love, lust, and sexual exploration this novel speaks to the sensual side of the reader. It is an excellent read for those that appreciate sex as an expression of mature literary ideas.

Estaba de vacaciones con mi esposo y decidimos entrar a una libreria y comprar algunos libros, estaba buscando por nuevos autores y encontre este libro y lei la contrapagina y me parecio interesante y compre el libro, fue el primero que lei y lo hice en unas cuantas horas no pare hasta que lo termine, es una historia interesante, increible y muy caliente diciendolo en terminos caribenos.

A fabulous note of erotic repartee - the story flows and in each chapter you confront the characters - their dark sides, telescopic views trying to reach beyond the wider ring of the lenses. The book consists of three characters Fernando , his wife Celia and Julieta. The attraction between Fernando and Julieta at some point seems to be fatal and Fernando suffering from mid-life crisis jumps towards Julieta during their maiden cruise trip to the Caribbean. The relationships build and destroy and rebuild around the lines of bolero (love song in South America) so it will be better if you have at least a little concept of bolero and what it means. This is not exactly a novel but a novella and if you can have a of scotch on the rocks and music by Eros Ramazotti to accompany this book then you will finish it in three hours. The translation by Edith Grossman is superlative as always. (I find Edith's translation always a safe bet). The eroticism never turns into pure lust and the grey line between eroticism and vulgar is never touched. This book calls for a delicate reading atmosphere - please do not try to read it in the airport. After you finish the book please again go back and read the letter to Angela and then they will make more sense. I deducted one star and lipped in only four because I was expecting a chapter from Julieta but it never showed up.

Read Montero's novel, and boleros will never sound the same again. She may be the hottest thing since the Divine Marquis.And she's far more witty!Wait until the French discover her - they may put L'affaire Houellebecq far behind them.