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Explosion in a Cathedral

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description Explosion in a Cathedral Overview

"Explosion in a Cathedral" is a 1962 historical novel by the Cuban author Alejo Carpentier, originally published in Spanish as "El siglo de las luces." The narrative follows three Caribbean orphans whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of Victor Hugues, a real historical figure who spreads the ideals and violence of the French Revolution to the colonies. The book is a notable example of magical realism and historical fiction, examining the collision of European political movements with Caribbean societies.

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Who is the author of the novel Explosion in a Cathedral?

The historical novel was written by the Cuban author Alejo Carpentier. It was originally published in Spanish in 1962 under the title "El siglo de las luces."

What historical period does Explosion in a Cathedral explore?

The novel is set during the era of the French Revolution and its impact on the Caribbean. It follows three Caribbean orphans whose lives are disrupted by the sweeping ideological changes of the Enlightenment.

Who is Victor Hugues in the context of Explosion in a Cathedral?

Victor Hugues is a real historical figure who drives the plot of the novel. He was a French politician who brought the ideals of the French Revolution—and the guillotine—to the French Caribbean colonies.

What is the literary significance of Alejo Carpentier's Explosion in a Cathedral?

The novel is widely considered a masterpiece of Latin American literature. Carpentier uses the Caribbean setting to explore the explosive changes brought by historical events, reflecting his signature style of magic realism.

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