Description

The Mutations

Ramón Martinez, a staunch atheist, accomplished lawyer, and devoted family man finds his world turned upside down when he is diagnosed with tongue cancer. This devastating illness robs him of his ability to speak, stripping away the very essence of his power and livelihood.

The novel, The Mutations, penned by Jorge Comensal, delves into the darkly comedic journey of Ramón as he navigates the physical and emotional mutations brought about by his illness.

As the cancer spreads through Ramón’s body, it also seeps into the lives of those around him, leaving a trail of chaos and introspection in its wake.

His children, Mateo and Paulina, grapple with their struggles, while his medical team is faced with their demons and desires. The relationships within his family, with colleagues, and even with his maid, Elodia, are put to the test as they confront the harsh realities of illness and mortality.

Drawing inspiration from literary giants such as Sontag, Didion, Flaubert, and Tolstoy, The Mutations weaves a tapestry of raw emotions – from regret and anger to eventual acceptance. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, the novel offers a poignant glimpse into modern Mexican society and the universal experience of facing the unspeakable.

With a foulmouthed parrot as an unlikely companion, Ramón’s journey becomes a reflection of the human condition, exploring the depths of despair and the resilience of the human spirit.

About The Author

Jorge Comensal

Jorge Comensal, born in Mexico City in 1987, has been honored with scholarships from the Fundación para las Letras Mexicanas and the Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes. His literary works have been featured in esteemed periodicals such as Letras Libres, Este País, and VICE. Notably, The Mutations stands as his debut novel, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career as a writer.

Hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich Mexico City, Jorge Comensal emerged as a promising literary figure, garnering recognition through prestigious scholarships from the Fundación para las Letras Mexicanas and the Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes. His literary prowess has been showcased in renowned periodicals like Letras Libres, Este País, and VICE, solidifying his position as a noteworthy voice in contemporary literature. The publication of his inaugural novel, The Mutations, further cemented his status as a talented and promising author.

Jorge Comensal, a native of Mexico City, has made significant strides in the literary world, earning scholarships from the Fundación para las Letras Mexicanas and the Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes. His literary contributions have graced the pages of esteemed periodicals such as Letras Libres, Este País, and VICE, showcasing his remarkable talent and unique perspective. With the release of his first novel, The Mutations, Comensal has firmly established himself as a promising and influential figure in the realm of contemporary literature.

Charlotte Whittle

Charlotte Whittle has had her translations and written works featured in prestigious publications such as The Literary Review, Guernica, BOMB, the Los Angeles Times, and various other platforms. Notably, her translation of Norah Lange’s People in the Room was released to critical acclaim in 2018. Currently residing in New York, she also holds the position of editor at Cardboard House Press.

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of language, Charlotte Whittle’s translations have delighted readers and critics alike. Her ability to convey the nuances and emotions of the original text while maintaining a distinct voice of her own sets her apart as a talented translator and writer. The success of her translation of Norah Lange’s work is a testament to her skill and dedication to her craft.

As an editor at Cardboard House Press, Charlotte Whittle continues to contribute to the literary world by nurturing emerging voices and promoting diverse perspectives. Her passion for literature and commitment to excellence shines through in all her endeavors, making her a valuable asset to the publishing industry. With a promising career ahead of her, Charlotte Whittle’s impact on the world of translation and writing is sure to be long-lasting.

Praise

“Through the story of an illness and an exploration of the fear of death, Jorge Comensal has created a world both absurd and hilarious, yet one that also touches on our darkest emotions. The Mutations is one of the greatest Latin American novels of recent years.” ―Daniel Saldaña París, author of Among Strange Victims

“Jorge Comensal’s The Mutations oscillates masterfully between comedy and tragedy, gathering up in its pages a stupendous panoply of characters before whom the reader is never sure whether to smile in sympathy or pity.” ―Fernando Aramburu, author of Homeland

“The Mutations is a speculative exercise, implacable as cancer itself, on the limits of compassion. An uncompromising inquiry that tries to answer a sinister, almost eschatological question: What to do when faced with the news of an incurable disease?” ―Juan Pablo Villalobos, author of I’ll Sell You a Dog

“No contemporary Mexican novel has impressed me as much as Jorge Comensal’s The Mutations. Barely exceeding 200 pages, this debut novel is both hilarious and funereal, a clinical history turned portrait of death.” ―Christopher Domínguez Michael, El Universal