Member Review
Review by
Michael B, Reviewer
Eco Retaliation
Simón López Trujillo's debut novel, “Pedro the Vast,” presents an intense and atmospheric narrative that merges eco-horror, speculative fiction, and sharp social commentary. The work is set in rural Chile, centering on the themes of corporate exploitation and a rapidly accelerating climatic shift.
The plot revolves around Pedro, a worker at a Curanilahue eucalyptus farm. He awakens from a coma after four of his colleagues die from a mysterious fungal disease, believed to be Cryptococcus gatti, which has jumped to humans. Pedro's post-coma recovery is marked by enigmatic pronouncements. Local priest Balthazar interprets these mutterings as prophecy, compiles them into The Compendium of Pedro the Vast, and subsequently sees Pedro hailed as "a miraculous Christ."
The story is structured around three key narratives. One follows the transformation of Pedro, beginning with him as a victim of a disease and continuing with him as a prophet. A second storyline is provided by Giovanna Oddo, the mycologist, who is called in to study the lethal mushroom, revealing the remarkable intelligence of the species. The third plot thread focuses on Pedro's two abandoned children and how they cope with the events.
The book delves into the complex interplay between human structures—specifically religion, family, and commerce—and the natural environment, focusing on the pervasive eucalyptus monoculture and various fungi. Through this sharp contrast, the narrative ultimately examines humanity's environmental footprint and the profound, fungi-like interconnectedness that binds people, events, and the planet itself.
“If a mushroom were to colonize a human brain, would it think the same things as we do?”
The narrative style uses scientific language, often reinforced with footnotes, to lend realism to the fantastical elements. In addition to these fantastic aspects, the story critiques real-world problems in Chile, including the inherent instability of life in the provinces and the exploitation of forestry resources.
Simón López Trujillo showcases commendable imagination and creativity. "Pedro the Vast" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read that compels readers to confront humanity’s treatment of the earth. I particularly valued the eco-horror motif, which centers on the environment retaliating against its abuse. However, the narrative could sometimes be confusing. Furthermore, a more comprehensive development of Giovanna’s character arc would have strengthened the story.
Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #PedroTheVast #NetGalley
Simón López Trujillo's debut novel, “Pedro the Vast,” presents an intense and atmospheric narrative that merges eco-horror, speculative fiction, and sharp social commentary. The work is set in rural Chile, centering on the themes of corporate exploitation and a rapidly accelerating climatic shift.
The plot revolves around Pedro, a worker at a Curanilahue eucalyptus farm. He awakens from a coma after four of his colleagues die from a mysterious fungal disease, believed to be Cryptococcus gatti, which has jumped to humans. Pedro's post-coma recovery is marked by enigmatic pronouncements. Local priest Balthazar interprets these mutterings as prophecy, compiles them into The Compendium of Pedro the Vast, and subsequently sees Pedro hailed as "a miraculous Christ."
The story is structured around three key narratives. One follows the transformation of Pedro, beginning with him as a victim of a disease and continuing with him as a prophet. A second storyline is provided by Giovanna Oddo, the mycologist, who is called in to study the lethal mushroom, revealing the remarkable intelligence of the species. The third plot thread focuses on Pedro's two abandoned children and how they cope with the events.
The book delves into the complex interplay between human structures—specifically religion, family, and commerce—and the natural environment, focusing on the pervasive eucalyptus monoculture and various fungi. Through this sharp contrast, the narrative ultimately examines humanity's environmental footprint and the profound, fungi-like interconnectedness that binds people, events, and the planet itself.
“If a mushroom were to colonize a human brain, would it think the same things as we do?”
The narrative style uses scientific language, often reinforced with footnotes, to lend realism to the fantastical elements. In addition to these fantastic aspects, the story critiques real-world problems in Chile, including the inherent instability of life in the provinces and the exploitation of forestry resources.
Simón López Trujillo showcases commendable imagination and creativity. "Pedro the Vast" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read that compels readers to confront humanity’s treatment of the earth. I particularly valued the eco-horror motif, which centers on the environment retaliating against its abuse. However, the narrative could sometimes be confusing. Furthermore, a more comprehensive development of Giovanna’s character arc would have strengthened the story.
Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #PedroTheVast #NetGalley
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