The Devil's Nose

by Luz Argentina Chiriboga, Ingrid Watson Miller (Translation), Margaret L. Morris (Translation)

At the end of the nineteenth century, thousands of Jamaicans journeyed to Ecuador to fulfill their dreams for their future. But, to secure this dream, they had to accomplish their goal, which was to build President Eloy Alfaro's dream project - a railroad system that would connect Guayaquil and Quito. In order to succeed, they had to conquer La nariz del diablo (The Devil's Nose), one of the most dangerous peaks in the Andes Mountain. This novel of historical fiction relates one of the greatest feats of engineering from the viewpoint of the Jamaican workers. It is the story of hope, faith, trials, despair and triumph.

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled a bit to find any Ecuadorian books in English translation. This book, by Luz Argentina Chiriboga was one which was recommended to me. Unfortunately the blurb on the book has much to say about the translators and absolutely nothing to say about the author, which was disappointing. The translation is poor, with inert language and syntax. The story is more complex than it initially seems, following the path of Jamaicans recruited to build an audacious railway across the Andes, which was pivotal in connecting Ecuadorians and part of a modernising program by President Alfaro, which brought him into conflict with the church. There's a fascinating story in there somewhere, but it struggles to emerge in this translation.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Character development was a struggle, and there was little resolution.

[Kate Throp · Rating 1 out of 5]

The translators take full ownership of this book so they shall have to take all the blame. I found it excruciatingly unreadable, so much so that it has been launched across the room.