''Inez'' is a 2001 novel by the Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, later translated into English by Margaret Sayers Peden.

Background

The novel alludes to literary and mythological figures including Faust and Don Juan. Fuentes also cited as influences

Igor Stravinsky Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky (6 April 1971) was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the ...

and

Hector Berlioz In Greek mythology, Hector (; grc, Ἕκτωρ, Hektōr, label=none, ) is a character in Homer's Iliad. He was a Trojan prince and the greatest warrior for Troy during the Trojan War. Hector led the Trojans and their allies in the defense o ...

, whose operatic adaptation of Faust,

The Damnation of Faust ''La damnation de Faust'' (English: ''The Damnation of Faust''), Op. 24 is a work for four solo voices, full seven-part chorus, large children's chorus and orchestra by the French composer Hector Berlioz. He called it a "''légende dramatique'' ...

, appears prominently in the book.

Plot

Maestro Gabriel Atlan-Ferrara, on the eve of his possibly last performance, reflects upon his relationship with Inez Prada. Though the maestro and the diva had only met thrice in their relationship of nearly three decades, the intensity never fades. Their relationship is characterized by mutual admiration, a sense of independence and ego. Parallel to this, a fable of primeval human male and female union (re-union) is also portrayed, and the two streams blend into one at the climax, which is on the border of realism and fantasy. The maestro's favorite work is Berlioz' ''La damnation de Faust'', which often comes up in the text as a backdrop as well as a metaphor.

References

2001 novels Mexican novels Novels by Carlos Fuentes Spanish-language novels Alfaguara books {{2000s-novel-stub

Background

Plot

See also

References