Dennis is reading Pedro Juan Gutierrez's Animal Tropical - easily translated to "Tropical Animal". The book is in espanol, his native tongue (he happens to be Cuban). It's about a Cuban's affair with two women: one Cuban and the other is Swiss. Senor "Casanova" met the Swiss lady on a trip abroad.
Dennis has read many of Gutierrez's books. The last book of his that he's read is Trilogia Sucia de la Habana (Dirty Havana Trilogy). This book happens to be Gutierrez's debut novel! Although the title suggests a trilogy, the book is more a collection of short stories that are raunchy and semi-autobiographical. Pedro Juan's character indulges in women, drugs, and lots of rum, but in his decadent lifestyle he has many moments of isolation. But the book definitely does not run out on depicting physical pleasures! Dennis really enjoys PJG's writing and compares him to Henry Miller. From the two books described to me, I am sensing that Gutierrez loves to write about carnal pleasures...
Another book he just finished? Independent People by the Icelandic author Halldor Laxness. It's about a man who endures many trials and tribulations, from trying to procure his own land, to losing his wife in childbirth, to raising his adoptive daughter (adoptive because she was fathered by another man, and dealing with the struggles of the class system. Dennis highly recommends this book because it captures the essence of human survival and the fight for "independence".
Dennis tells me that he reads about 3 books at a time. Does this get overwhelming to have to follow to many storylines? No, not at all. He actually finds it very convenient in that he has a book with him at all times, at different "stations" of his life. He tells me that he has a book at home for home reading, a book at work, and a book that he carries around to read while in transit!
Seeing that he is already a writer, I ask what kind of book he would write if he had a chance. He normally writes plays but he would love to write about his "lonely trip in Spain". He spent 6 weeks in Spain and wants to be able to convey the loneliness of that trip. Was his trip a time to reflect? "You could say that."
Dennis had to go back in to finish the auditions but told me to stop by in August for the play! Dennis, if you're reading this, send me more details - I'd love to come!
Do you read multiple books at one time? If you're doing it now, what books are you reading?
Have you had a trip or life-changing experience you'd like to write about?
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