I think I’ve figured out what about the story failed to interest me: none of the stories connected in any real way. The book purports to be about ‘Oscar Wao’ (inasmuch as it named the book after him) but its really about his mother, sister and even his grandparents. Further, he’s whiny, uninteresting and unlikeable. His obsession with sex (NOT love, as written) becomes monotonous to read about; his mania for writing is never fully explained, nor are any examples of his so-called masterpieces included as a point of interest.

The whole concept of the ‘fuku’ started out strong, but then the author seemed to forget entirely that he’d ever brought it up, and then remembered again near the end. It was also confusing when Diaz would put Spanish into the conversation, Spanish that I’d have had to finish my two or three years of language to understand. I didn’t always feel like translating on altavista.com

I was more interested in reading about the horrors Trujillo forced onto his country during his ‘presidency’; I was more interested is reading about Oscar’s grandfather, and his struggle to protect his daughters.

Okay, I’m done.

P.S. Justin, don’t be mad at me.