The Book of Chameleons

The Book of ChameleonsF lix Ventura trades in an unusual commodity; he is a dealer in memories, clandestinely selling new pasts to people whose futures are secure and who lack only a good lineage to complete their lives. In this completely original murder mystery, where people are not who they seem and the briefest of connections leads to the forging of entirely new histories, a bookish albino, a beautiful woman, a mysterious foreigner, and a witty talking lizard come

F lix Ventura trades in an unusual commodity; he is a dealer in memories, clandestinely selling new pasts to people whose futures are secure and who lack only a good lineage to complete their lives. In this completely original murder mystery, where people are not who they seem and the briefest of connections leads to the forging of entirely new histories, a bookish albino, a beautiful woman, a mysterious foreigner, and a witty talking lizard come together to discover the truth of their lives. Set in Angola, Agualusa's tale darts from tormented past to dream-filled present with a lightness that belies the savage history of a country in which many have something to forget -- and to hide.

A brilliant American debut by one of the most lauded writers in the Portuguese-speaking world, this is a beautifully written and always surprising tale of race, truth, and the transformative power of creativity.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 06/17/2008
ISBN: 9781416573517
Pages: 180
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.50d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 04/07/2008 pg. 41
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2008 pg. 379
Multicultural Review 12/01/2008 pg. 53