by R. M. Koster
First published 1989
The Mandragon possesses both male and female nature, wielding this duality as power over others. This magical being reads thoughts and bends people to his will with supernatural force. He sees beyond the present moment into what lies ahead. His homeland of Tinieblas suffers under relentless drought that kills crops and animals. The Mandragon gathers his scattered tribe and guides them on a journey back to this parched country. He believes his presence can break the curse that has turned fertile land into dust. The story unfolds through crude humor and dark comedy as the Mandragon manipulates friend and enemy alike. His sexual ambiguity becomes a weapon he uses against both men and women who cross his path. The tribe follows him across dangerous territory, trusting in his prophetic visions. When they finally reach Tinieblas, the Mandragon must prove whether his magic can truly heal the dying earth or if his powers serve only his own desires.
Genres: literary-fiction, fantasy, magical-realism, dark-fantasy
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Tinieblas
352 pages · Paperback · W W Norton & Co Inc
Content warnings: sexual-content