Distant Star

Roberto Bolaño published Distant Star in 1996. It tells the story of Carlos Wieder, a Chilean avant-garde poet and pilot, against the backdrop of political turmoil in Chile.

The novel is narrated by an unnamed Chilean literary critic who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Carlos Wieder, a former schoolmate and fellow poet. As the narrator investigates Wieder's life, a dark and disturbing picture emerges.

Wieder's trajectory takes him from being a young poet to becoming an air force officer during the military dictatorship in Chile. He uses his position to carry out brutal acts of violence and political repression, targeting those he deems enemies of the regime.

As the narrator delves deeper into Wieder's past, he discovers a network of poets and artists whose lives intersected with Wieder's. The novel explores the impact of political oppression on artistic expression and the ethical complexities faced by artists during times of political upheaval.

Bolaño weaves together themes of political violence, artistic pursuit, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fiction in Distant Star. The novel offers a critique of totalitarian regimes while also delving into the nature of art, the role of the artist, and the power of storytelling.