On a Night of a Thousand Stars

In the novel "On a Night of a Thousand Stars," a daughter investigates her father's past during Argentina's Dirty War in the 1970s, shaking his usually unflappable demeanor. With the help of a local university student, she unleashes a chain of events that questions her family and identity and puts her life in danger. The novel explores relationships, morality, and identity during a brutal period in Argentinian history and the understanding and redemption people crave in the face of tragedy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

In this captivating and heart-wrenching narrative, a young couple navigates the tumultuous beginnings of Argentina's Dirty War in the 1970s, while a daughter embarks on a quest for truth twenty years later. Set in the vibrant city of New York in 1998, Santiago Larrea, a wealthy Argentine diplomat, enjoys a lavish summer polo match and soiree with his wife, Lila, and their daughter, Paloma. Everything appears to be perfect in their world until an unexpected guest from Santiago's university days arrives, shaking his usually unflappable demeanor. The woman's cryptic comments ignite Paloma's curiosity about her father's past, of which she knows little. As the family travels to Buenos Aires for Santiago's appointment as the United Nations ambassador, Paloma is determined to uncover the truth about his life in the years leading up to the military dictatorship of 1976. With the help of a local university student, Franco Bonetti, an activist member of H.I.J.O.S.—a group whose members are the children of the desaparecidos, or the "disappeared," men and women forcibly disappeared by the state during Argentina's "Dirty War"—Paloma unleashes a series of events that not only challenges her family and identity but also puts her life in danger.

On a Night of a Thousand Stars delves into profound themes of relationships, morality, and identity during a turbulent period in Argentinian history. It explores the human yearning for understanding and redemption in the face of tragedy. The novel includes a comprehensive Reading Group Guide, making it an ideal choice for book clubs and discussions.

Through Paloma's journey, readers witness the devastating consequences of political violence and the profound impact it has on individuals and families. The novel sheds light on the struggles of the desaparecidos and their families, who have been searching for answers and closure for decades. Paloma's determination to uncover the truth about her father's past is a testament to the human spirit.

The characters in On a Night of a Thousand Stars are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and strengths adding depth to the narrative. Santiago Larrea, the patriarch of the family, is a complex character who struggles with his own demons and the weight of his past. Lila, his wife, is a strong and supportive woman who loves her family deeply. Paloma, the daughter, is a talented jewelry designer and a fierce advocate for justice. Franco Bonetti, the university student, is a passionate and idealistic young man who is committed to fighting for the rights of the desaparecidos.

The writing style of On a Night of a Thousand Stars is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires and the tumultuous political landscape of Argentina. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions and emotional moments that will leave readers deeply affected.

In conclusion, On a Night of a Thousand Stars is a powerful and unforgettable novel that explores the complexities of love, resilience, and the search for truth in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and the human condition.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 132 x 204 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538720301