The Missing Year of Juan Salvatierra

July 22, 2013
The latest novel from Mairal (Un Noche Con Sabrina Love) reveals through barebones language and startling scenery a son's hunt for the missing scroll in the magnanimous work of his deceased father, the artist Salvatierra. Mimicking Salvatierra's work within the novel's structureâimportant scenes grow out from the events captured in the scrollâMairal builds tense and concise scenes within the greater mystery surrounding the artist. The narrator's composed voice may also be an extension of the all-important element of continuity. Throughout most of the novel, the voice imitates a remote lens, remaining steady while recounting picturesque details of Salvatierra's tragic accident, all the while expressing philosophical observations and blunt observations. When charged with a powerful isolated scene, this voice proves sufficient; when challenged to convey the narrator's own investment in his father's life, the writing tends to fall flat. Yet deep into the search for the scroll, the narrator at last illustratesâsans calm explanationâhis own heart. In one seemingly effortless sweep, this scene illuminates both the narrator himself and the reason behind his obsessive search. On whole this enigmatic novel delights in its understated style, even though the narrator feels slightly beyond reach.

Tony Chiroldes is an excellent narrator for this short novel set in Argentina. It involves two adult sons who learn much about their father, artist Juan Salvatierra, after his death. At age 9, Salvatierra is left mute after an accident and devotes himself to painting scenes of his life and surroundings. Chiroldes deftly captures the glorious accents, the rich description of the paintings, and the many unforgettable characters. Salvatierra's experiences, including the death of his beloved only daughter, come to life in his work. When a museum buys his 60 huge scrolls, his sons realize that one work is missing. Listeners will join the family as they search for the piece and make discoveries about Salvatierra's secrets. All is movingly revealed in Chiroldes's emotive delivery. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine