Rodrigo Fresán's 'Mantra': A Postmodern Novel on Mexico City
Rodrigo Fresán's seventh novel, 'Mantra', published by Éditions Passage du Nord/Ouest, explores childhood without innocence through the eyes of Martín Mantra, a Mexican 'wild' child raised on TV series. The narrative shifts between Argentina and Mexico City, the latter serving as a central character. The book is structured in two parts: a linear story and an anarchic dictionary, blending elements from William S. Burroughs, Stanley Kubrick, Philip K. Dick, J.G. Ballard, and Andy Warhol. Fresán, born in Buenos Aires in 1963 and living in Barcelona, examines the blurring of reality and dream, the influence of pop culture, and the apocalyptic vision of Mexico City. The novel references Juan Rulfo's 'Pedro Páramo' and incorporates rock music, comics, and pop art. Critic Patrick Amine notes Fresán's narrative aesthetics construct new perceptual models, while Roberto Bolaño highlighted his nervous melancholy.
Key facts
- Rodrigo Fresán's seventh novel is titled 'Mantra'.
- The novel is published by Éditions Passage du Nord/Ouest.
- Fresán was born in Buenos Aires in 1963 and lives in Barcelona.
- The protagonist is Martín Mantra, a Mexican child raised on TV series.
- Mexico City is a central character in the novel.
- The book has two parts: a linear story and a dictionary-like section.
- Influences include William S. Burroughs, Stanley Kubrick, Philip K. Dick, J.G. Ballard, and Andy Warhol.
- The novel references Juan Rulfo's 'Pedro Páramo'.
- Critic Patrick Amine wrote the review for artpress.
- Roberto Bolaño commented on Fresán's nervous melancholy.
Entities
Artists
- Rodrigo Fresán
- William S. Burroughs
- Stanley Kubrick
- Philip K. Dick
- J.G. Ballard
- Andy Warhol
- Juan Rulfo
- Allen Jones
- Roberto Bolaño
- Patrick Amine
Institutions
- Éditions Passage du Nord/Ouest
- artpress
Locations
- Buenos Aires
- Argentina
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Mexico City
- Mexico
Sources
- artpress —