Review by MarianaFigueira -- Tujunga by Carlos Alvarado

[Mariana Figueira]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tujunga" by Carlos Alvarado.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Author Carlos Alvarado fascinates you with a story where two couples, seemingly unrelated to each other, become part of the larger picture of this conspiracy novel. Where, in the present, we have Xochi, a Genetic Anthropologist researcher in the Human Genomics Laboratory (HGL), who is killed in what seems a car accident, but her fiancé Robert uncovers it as a murder. Also, we have Curt and Claudia, and their whole relationship from where they first met in the 1950s.

Tujunga explores the origins of the HIV epidemic, from the glasses of reality where we know where the virus came from, but we do not know who the first person infected (patient zero) was; in the novel, we discover that the US government knew and hid the real origin of the virus, and the identity of patient zero, but more so killed to protect the secret that they have kept, and their participation in the whole situation.

Romance and dare I say so…philosophy? In a sea of intrigue, government conspiracy and cover-ups; a man who is looking for the person responsible for his fiancé´s death, and revenge, wherever it leads him; events that make the reader expand its conception of the possibilities in love and relationships.

Early on, the plot appears as a bit too whimsical: origins of the HIV, conspiracy, murder...But it is developed in such a way that the events are connected so seamlessly that it leads you on very organically and naturally throughout the narrative. The storyline itself compels you progress through the book to find yourself at the very end, fully satisfied.

I believe the characters are phenomenal: they feel genuine, like they could perfectly be someone in your life, or maybe the friend of a friend: they appear tangible. I sensed as I knew them, and it is a testimony to how well built and thought of their personalities are, to feel as if you understand the character, despite not having read that much about them.

Initially, I didn´t enjoy the writing because I found it too complex; but as I progressed through the book, I could appreciate the descriptions of the scenery, that made me feel as if I had been to all of those places, and allowed me to be very aware of the character´s state of mind. Carlos Alvarado´s writing also offered exquisite and meaningful phrases, such as "As the dark side of the moon never shines on the Earth, he had not thought to compare…" referring to two women who that character was involved with at some point in his life; due to the plot, this expression is particularly telling. Those incredible phrases were what I appreciated the most about the book

I found the book to be remarkably well written and well edited. Because of that, and because it pleasantly surprised me, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Since the novel has erotic scenes and descriptions, I would recommend it to adults, making note that people who dislike homosexual relationships will not enjoy it

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Tujunga
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[Harty Muli]

It will be interesting reading about the emergence of HIV. Nice review, thanks.

[EudoraMac]

This book seems to have rich characters and more importantly, a rich plot.

Your review is very descriptive, helps me understand what can be expected of this book. Thank You!

[Neshboy Aburi]

It will be interesting reading about the emergence of HIV. Nice review, thanks.

I also read this book and did a review of the same. It is true that the author hints on how HIV came to be. It is a fascinating insight. Make sure you read this book some day.