Delirium

by: Laura Restrepo

Published by: Vintage International

Reviewed by Michele E. Davis

From the opening quote by Gore Vidal, attributed to the great Henry James, to the end of Delirium, we are forced to piece together a life that Aguilar–who is an unemployed literature professor that now sells dog food for a living–is immersed in by being married to Agustina, who is, quite literally, mad. While the narrative is initially spotty with the point of view moving between each of the married unit, you can follow with great ease since they have completely different inner and outer monologues.

The action takes place in Bogóta, Columbia, where there is an immediate disdain for Americans as Aguilar fills in town and family history. Anyone with a physical ailment–and money–can go to Houston to be cured, however may come back to Columbia more messed up than they left (a minor commentary on the States’ health care conundrum). Out of the blue, Aunt Sofi shows up at Aguilar’s flat to take care of Agustina, although he isn’t sure who this aunt really is and why she is at his apartment. Sofi seems to be able to calm Agustina’s obsessive-compulsive side, but also works with her in persistently cleaning and lining water buckets all over the flat. This is an interesting portrayal of a woman’s madness as well as the heated political environment in Columbia, which is why Aguilar is no longer teaching, as the university shut down because of the political unrest.

Author Restrepo explores the reality of madness and how it affects every societal caste system, government and family. While some things are ambiguous, such as the reason for Agustina’s breakdown, the novel is an interesting look at insanity.

This is translated eloquently and is an exceptionally written book that looks at the demons we all have to face, in one way or another, it just depends on whether we can survive them.

Armchair Interviews agrees.