His Name was Death

A book about a bitter drunk forsakes civilization and takes to the Mexican jungle, trapping animals, selling their pelts to buy liquor, and slowly rotting away in his fetid hut. His neighbors, the Lacodón tribe of Chiapas, see something more in him than he does himself and save his life. Will he harness the mosquitoes' global might and take over the world that rejects him?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2021
Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation

A disheartened alcoholic renounces society and retreats into the Mexican wilderness, where he engages in the capture and sale of animal pelts to fund his excessive drinking binges. Over time, he succumbs to the harsh realities of his existence, living in a filthy hut and slowly wasting away. However, his neighbors, members of the Lacodón tribe of Chiapas, perceive a deeper essence within him, dubbing him "Wise Owl."

When he falls gravely ill, a shaman named Black Ant intervenes and saves his life. In the process, she inadvertently exorcises the demon of alcoholism from his body. As he begins to recover, weakened in his hammock, he notices a peculiar phenomenon surrounding the mosquitoes buzzing around him. To his human ears, it may seem irritating and purposeless, but to him, it holds the potential to be a language he can learn and eventually speak.

Driven by this newfound curiosity, he sets out to master the language of the mosquitoes. With the aid of a flute and a homemade dictionary, he begins to decipher their intricate patterns and sounds. Over time, he develops a deep understanding of their language and its complexities.

As he progresses in his linguistic journey, he realizes the immense power that the mosquitoes possess. He harnesses their global might and begins to contemplate using their powers to take over the world that has rejected him.

His Name Was Death is a novel that is remarkably ahead of its time. It takes a fearless and critical look at ecological disaster and colonial exploitation, offering a dark and satirical perspective on these issues. Through its protagonist's journey, the book challenges the reader to consider the consequences of human actions and the impact they have on the natural world.

In conclusion, His Name Was Death is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the depths of human nature, societal rejection, and the power of nature. It is a book that deserves to be read and studied for its insights and its ability to provoke thought.

Weight: 177g
Dimension: 203 x 132 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811230834