Novel
The Invention of Morel
La invención de Morel
Adolfo Bioy Casares · 1940
Synopsis
A fugitive hides on a deserted island, which he believes to be Villings, in the Ellice archipelago, and which is struck by a strange disease, according to G. G. Smith's notice. He explores the museum, the church, the swimming pool and the mill, then sees visitors arrive who dance and sing, and falls in love with one of them, Faustine, who watches the sunset every evening from a cliff. A bearded man, Morel, often comes to talk to him. The fugitive notices that none of them sees him and that their gestures repeat; he records everything in a diary.
Context
The novel appeared in 1940 from Losada, with a preface by his writer friend, who judged that its plot could be called perfect without imprecision or hyperbole; Smith specifies that this preface disputes the idea that an adventure story could no longer charm. Poorly received by the public on its release, according to Smith, it was admired by young writers across the continent. It is said to be the author's seventh book and the true beginning of his career; its adaptations include a French film of 1967.
Who it is for
A short novel in Spanish, written in the form of a diary; translated into French by Armand Pierhal, published by Laffont.
Prizes and reception
Adapted for cinema, stage and opera, from France to Italy and the United States.