The Iguana Speaks My Name

Strong Narratives That Feel Like Fables, From Guatemala

Dr. Roberto Moulun was a French/Spanish native-born Guatemalan who traveled the world as a mental health specialist before retiring and, ultimately, settling near Lake Chapala in Mexico. His work reflects strongly the place, people and life of small village Guatemala.

In this book we have interrelated short stories set in the mountain village of Panimache, the tales being related by Quince, a keenly observant and slightly jaded writer who lives in the village. Some tales consist simply of Quince visiting with, eating with or talking with other villagers. Sometimes he wanders the streets or observes activity on the Plaza. Sometimes he tells old stories and legends, or tales of color and intrigue even if also of questionable provenance. (The book actually starts with an episodic novella, and ten vignettes follow. But, they are all interconnected and ultimately establish a single multi-faceted arc.)

This sounds like it could be the self-indulgent work of a retired amateur, or perhaps the overheated work of yet another magical realist wannabe. Well, no and no. Quince is a gracious, generous, and keenly intelligent observer, and through him Dr. Moulun displays his considerable and estimable talents for description, mood setting and the efficient and telling character sketch.

I know it sounds like phoney baloney, but as you sit quietly and absorb these stories you really do begin to feel like you're sitting on a veranda with a very strong cup of black coffee watching village life unfold. There are many graceful and poetic touches, but there is also rough humor and some very sharp and biting observations and exchanges. This is a mature and fully realized portrayal, not just a postcard view. And behind and above it all is the menace and consequence of the Guatemalan Civil War, a sobering reminder that danger lurks outside the village borders.

This is a vivid and embracing work full of fine craftsmanship and detail, and a very nice find.

Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.