The Dream of the Jaguar

I really enjoyed The Dream of the Jaguar. It follows the life of an orphan found in the street by a mute beggar woman in Maracaibo, Venezuela, who builds his life up from poverty until he becomes the most successful surgeon in the country. This family saga is divided into four sections, each dedicated to a member of Antonio (protagonist)’s family (similar to One Hundred Years of Solitude). Venezuela’s political environment and history are greatly influential as well, making the fate of the family inseparable from that of Venezuela.

The writing style is lyrical, almost like reading a mythical story. Each character is beautifully described, and their decisions lead them to deviate from the pack, metaphorically making them “jaguars” that find their own paths. Their resilience in facing their unstable political environment is also admirable, all while staying human and realistic.