Review of A Place Under the Sun
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Ankitg Yadav
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Review of A Place Under the Sun
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Place Under the Sun" by Luis Urtueta.]
A Place Under the Sun by Luis Urtueta is by no means a standard beach book. Yes, the title sets a tone suggesting picturesque holidays steeped in golden light. However, pop the cover, and your eyes will meet a story that cuts through like a sharp blade on ambition, disillusionment, and the emptiness that lies behind the façade of a lucrative career.
Enrique Ureta functions as the main character of the novel, a person who is like these tropical birds sliding on the icy surface of the poles. Lured by the mirage of financial security, he finds himself overwhelmed by the snobbery of the alpha personalities and shallow relationships in the corridor. His constant inner turmoil leads him to frantically look for the reason for his loneliness. He is incredibly clumsy in the political business of the office, bumping on everything like a baby giraffe on skates, his insecurity a wound full of pus under the stress of performance.
Urtueta's problems are not about being part of society. The novel superbly portrays the idea of "golden handcuffs." The large salaries and gorgeous perks serve only as a golden cage, which captures him within a job that takes up his life more and more. Urtueta wonders to himself if continuing with this ruthless competition for success is worth the sacrifice of his authenticity and health. Although the novel is primarily centered on Urtueta’s inner world, there are some exciting insights into life as an expat in Dubai. The gap between the fake image of an avid fortune seeker and the fact of loneliness in a foreign land suggests an additional point of the story.
5 out of 5 stars rating this book as A Place Under the Sun is a slow burn. It gives importance to characters' development and psychological exploration instead of quick-acting action. The novel, although taking forever, is accompanied by the sharp humor of Urtueta and his dry observations. The humor, though frequently gloomy or sarcastic, offers a pleasing contrast to the hero's constant spiritual crisis. It was everything I had anticipated, and the editing was excellent.
This novel is an interesting read for everyone who knows the struggle of a person chasing professional success, regardless of its consequences. A Place Under the Sun will leave you with a disturbing sensation, but that's exactly the purpose. It makes you think about the emptiness that may hide within your brightest dreams of success.
******
A Place Under the Sun
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A Place Under the Sun by Luis Urtueta is by no means a standard beach book. Yes, the title sets a tone suggesting picturesque holidays steeped in golden light. However, pop the cover, and your eyes will meet a story that cuts through like a sharp blade on ambition, disillusionment, and the emptiness that lies behind the façade of a lucrative career.
Enrique Ureta functions as the main character of the novel, a person who is like these tropical birds sliding on the icy surface of the poles. Lured by the mirage of financial security, he finds himself overwhelmed by the snobbery of the alpha personalities and shallow relationships in the corridor. His constant inner turmoil leads him to frantically look for the reason for his loneliness. He is incredibly clumsy in the political business of the office, bumping on everything like a baby giraffe on skates, his insecurity a wound full of pus under the stress of performance.
Urtueta's problems are not about being part of society. The novel superbly portrays the idea of "golden handcuffs." The large salaries and gorgeous perks serve only as a golden cage, which captures him within a job that takes up his life more and more. Urtueta wonders to himself if continuing with this ruthless competition for success is worth the sacrifice of his authenticity and health. Although the novel is primarily centered on Urtueta’s inner world, there are some exciting insights into life as an expat in Dubai. The gap between the fake image of an avid fortune seeker and the fact of loneliness in a foreign land suggests an additional point of the story.
5 out of 5 stars rating this book as A Place Under the Sun is a slow burn. It gives importance to characters' development and psychological exploration instead of quick-acting action. The novel, although taking forever, is accompanied by the sharp humor of Urtueta and his dry observations. The humor, though frequently gloomy or sarcastic, offers a pleasing contrast to the hero's constant spiritual crisis. It was everything I had anticipated, and the editing was excellent.
This novel is an interesting read for everyone who knows the struggle of a person chasing professional success, regardless of its consequences. A Place Under the Sun will leave you with a disturbing sensation, but that's exactly the purpose. It makes you think about the emptiness that may hide within your brightest dreams of success.
******
A Place Under the Sun
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
