Cursed Inheritance

by Ángeles Goyanes, Megan Salyer (Translator)

After a poverty-stricken childhood, Robert Waller, now a successful businessman and firm believer in Buddhism and reincarnation, is obsessed with the idea of regaining possession of his fortune when he is reborn in his next life. When he finds out his death is imminent, he becomes terrified of repeating those impoverished years and so he devotes the time he has remaining to the task of assuring his comfort in his future life. To that end, he seeks the aid of an old acquaintance, Sir James Lorton, a well-known expert in oriental religions, to make a strange request: Waller asks Lorton to seek out the child in whom he is reborn, secure the perfect home for him, and, in due time, ensure that Waller alone enjoys the properties he has struggled so hard to amass. The young man rejects such a preposterous request on principle. However, some years later, fate will ensure that the proposal is reconsidered, but will Lorton make the right decision?

Genres: Spanish Literature, Fiction

154 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2010

About the author

I live (and I was born and grew up) in Madrid, Spain.
When I was younger I loved learning about different subjects and I studied History, Tourism and New Technologies in the University plus other minor courses.

Because I love traveling, when I write my characters use to travel a lot too, or live in interesting past times.

Most of all I love animals and I allways available to help to protect them.

I read every genre of fiction books. I love especially classical literature, but also horror, suspense and many other modern genres.

I´d love to make friends with book lovers all over the world.

Reviews

[Patricia Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impresionante. Como todas las obras de Goyanes.
Una vez más me declaro seguidora de esta gran escritora/historiadora.
Vaya manera la de hacerte replantear tantas cosas que ya das por establecidas y por muy ficticia que esta pueda ser, Goyanes consigue una y otra vez involucrarte en la historia, envolverte en el misterio de lo posible e imposible, susurrarte sobre culturas y creencias diferentes... oh sí, sobre todo.

Una historia estupenda para pasar el rato y reparar en cosas tan sonadas pero a la vez poco conocidas como el Karma y le reencarnación. Una historia que me encantó y que me hizo pensar en... empezar a portarme bien si quiero que me vaya bien en las siguientes vidas.
Ok, no.

A. Goyanes, una vez más, me has atrapado en tus letras.

[Jennifer Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to find this novel under the first reads giveaways on the second day I searched through them. The plot summary captivated me, and I'm always looking for something new and different, especially something I've never thought of before. As a believer of reincarnation, the plan the successful buisnessman, Robert Waller, creates to transfer his wealth from this life to his next one is almost apalling. Certainly the scholar whom Mr. Waller contacts to set his plan in motion is apalled. Eventually, circumstances come about to where the scholar agrees to carry out Mr. Waller's wishes. Everything that happens afterward was nothing like I'd expected and was very surprising causing me to become unable to put the book down.

I must admit that very start of the book was slow for me, but once I read through Mr. Waller and the scholar's first encounter, I began speeding through to find out what happened next. I also wish that this novel was longer and spent more time describing the background of the characters which would have added much to the fantastic plot.

I have already discussed the ideas in this novel with my husband, who also wants to read the book, and I began a long discussion with my friends (on New Year's Eve no less and kind of fitting) about reincarnation and other theories of the afterlife. I don't want to believe in reincarnation, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't a reality. I find it a scary thought that when I die, at a time unknown to me, I would be reborn into a completely different family than the one I have now. I have lost so many of my closest family members, and the thought of never seeing them again crushes me. But like I said before, no matter what I want or don't want to happen to me, it doesn't matter because I may not have a choice in the matter.

Lately, I have become absolutely terrified at the thought of death though it is inevitable and unavoidable. My friend is worried and wanted to comfort me. She told me that if death is good enough for her friend (who died from breast cancer), good enough for my mother, good enough for John Wayne, and good enough for every living thing, then it'll be good enough for us, too. She believes all living beings vibrate with energy not only in life but also after life ends. I did feel better, and I am happy and lucky enough to have found and won this novel. Look at how the thoughts that went into writing it have affected me and those around me who I care about! We had an incredible philosophical discussion, and we have found an entirely new take on reincarnation.

[Mark Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unusual concept for a book. Starts off simple enough and as it progresses, it becomes more complicated. One has to keep their concentration if one is to follow all the characters in it and how they inter-relate to one another. Even so, I could find nothing to discredit the complexity or flaws within the characters and their actions.

This is one of those novels which will strain your intellectual muscles. It is one that you could read over and over and, I believe, find no errors made by the author. It will however have you analyzing the plot over and over again and also make you think, if reincarnation is a probablilty, could reincarnation work in this manner.

A brain strain to be sure but a wonderful read nevertheless.

[Cricket Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise for this story is fascinating, although this is not normally a book I might have picked up. Robert Waller believes he has found a way to pass along all that he has worked so hard to achieve to his reincarnated self after his death. Lofton has doubts, but circumstances conspire to allow his grudging acceptance eventually. What follows are a series of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, the idea of providing a better life for your future self is definitely intriguing. How many of us, however, are truly prepared for the consequences?

[Nancyspain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book and it was an enjoyable enough read but there were areas of weakness that meant it disappointed in parts. My main criticism would be that the book would have been much enhanced had some areas that were skimmed over (I will not say which ones in particular as they are spoilers)been more fully developed. In fact most of areas could have been more detailed and would have lent this book more substance. I initially thought the book may be the author's first but that turns out to be far from the case. However if you are looking for a quick read with an unusual plot then this would be a good choice.

[Philemon - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leí la versión en español, que recomendaría para aquellos en un nivel intermedio. Una historia intrigante, contada con claridad, proporciona mucho ejercicio en la lectura de tiempos y estados de ánimo.

[Armando · Rating 5 out of 5]

una historia muy interesante, diferente a todo lo que habia leido. me intereso un poco en lo que es el karma y la reencarnacion. el final es increible.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not put this book down! It kept me up even after I finished it. Surprising ending.