Invasion of the Spirit People

Juan Pablo Villalobos' fifth novel approaches the problem of racism from the perspective of absurdity, featuring an immigrant named Gaston, a dog named Kitten, and a friend named Max. Gaston embarks on a quest to find someone to put his dog to sleep humanely, find a space to open a new restaurant, and investigate the truth behind the news of human life being the by-product of an ancient alien attempt at colonization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2022
Publisher: And Other Stories

Juan Pablo Villalobos' fifth novel takes on a gentle, fable-like tone, approaching the issue of racism from the perspective that any position as idiotic as xenophobia can only be fought with sheer absurdity. Set in an unnamed city, colonized by an unnamed world power, Gaston, an immigrant, makes a living by selling exotic vegetables to eateries around the city. He is accompanied by his beloved dog, Kitten, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and his close friend, Max, who is grappling with deep depression after having to close his restaurant. Meanwhile, Max's son, Pol, a scientist on a scientific expedition in the Arctic, offers little support. Gaston embarks on a quest that encompasses three main objectives: he must find a compassionate way to put his dog to sleep; he must secure a space for them to open a new restaurant together; and he must investigate the truth behind the news Pol has received, suggesting that human life may be the result of an ancient alien attempt at colonization, and that those aliens may intend to make a return visit.

Juan Pablo Villalobos' fifth novel takes on a gentle, fable-like tone, approaching the issue of racism from the perspective that any position as idiotic as xenophobia can only be fought with sheer absurdity. Set in an unnamed city, colonized by an unnamed world power, Gaston, an immigrant, makes a living by selling exotic vegetables to eateries around the city. He is accompanied by his beloved dog, Kitten, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and his close friend, Max, who is grappling with deep depression after having to close his restaurant. Meanwhile, Max's son, Pol, a scientist on a scientific expedition in the Arctic, offers little support. Gaston embarks on a quest that encompasses three main objectives: he must find a compassionate way to put his dog to sleep; he must secure a space for them to open a new restaurant together; and he must investigate the truth behind the news Pol has received, suggesting that human life may be the result of an ancient alien attempt at colonization, and that those aliens may intend to make a return visit.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913505363