One of the best novels about literature, which is to say about people who live in and through literature, I have read in a long time. Billy is our resident poet but this work by Roberto Bolano risies above genres and anyone, anyone who produces anything will find a deep connection in this Work. As one of his characters says: "Poetry is people, right?"

Here is a quote to entice you to read the novel:

         For a while, Criticism travels side by side with the work, then criticism vanishes and it's the Readers who keep pace. The journey may be long or short. Then the readers die one by one and the Work continues on alone, although a new Criticism and new Readers gradually fall into step with it along its path. Then Criticism dies again and the Readers die again and the Work passes over a trail of bones on its journey toward solitude. To come near the work, to sail in her wake, is a sign of certain death, but new Criticism and new Readers approach her tirelessly and are devoured by time and speed. Finally the work journeys irremediably alone in the Vastness. And one day the Work dies, as all things must die and come to an end.