Ok, let me say this, I imagine that something is lost in the translation. I must admit to Americans Artuor Perez-Reverte is probably an acquired taste, as he is with me. If you are a fan you'll end up reading this book. Perez-Reverte in this book spends an awful amount of time on Manuel Coy's background and dissatisfaction with life and himself. All the other characters are very cardboard-like, except when one chapter is written in first person. Perez-Reverte books are usually mysteries, but this one isn't. And his translator is new. But for me, there is something about his books that I like, even the ones that don't fire on all cylinders.