The Ministry of Special Cases

A well written book about "Los Desaparecidos" in Argentina

I did not enjoy this book, but I learned from it. I learned one more mechanism for man's inhumanity to man. This has overtones of "The Trial" by Kafka, and of "De amor y de sombra" by Isabelle Allende. At times it reminds me of "Darkness at noon" especially the brutality of the police, and their uncaring dismissal of any possible consequences to their actions.
This books feels real. It illustrates the uses of Beaurocracy by Totalitarian regimes, the fear it induces in the population, and the human tendency to cringe rather than get involved.
Its humor bothered me, the subject was too serious for levity.

Emotionally difficult but important

Reading this book about Argentina's 'Dirty War' was difficult. Nathan Englander draws the reader into the horror of having a loved one 'disappeared', and the despair and frustration encountered by the two main characters. I was reminded of 'Catch 22' and the writing style of Isaac Bashevis Singer. I think it is a story of a part of the world's history about which everyone should be aware. It is an emotionally difficult read, but an important one. There are other levels to the story, also important, which make the book well worth one's reading it. Relationships within one's society, family, and the difficulty in knowing oneself are made an interesting and integral part of the story by the author.

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No text was provided for this review.