learning to Lose by David Trueba

Learning to Lose is an inspiring intergenerational saga - first appeared in Spanish and then translated in English. This is a rather voluminous book consisting of six hundred pages which follows the fortunes of Sylvia, Lorenzo (her father) and Leandro (her grandfather). The starting of studying to Lose is rather sad, where Sylvia's grandmother falls and her hips are broken. Leandro gets her admitted into a hospital and picks up the newspaper while waiting outside.

After The Sad Start

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He comes over an ad, which is precisely a brothel and decides to go there. He loses all control and morals and becomes a sex addict. Leandro starts spending all his resignation money on a Nigerian prostitute (and time too). Sylvia herself gets her leg broken by a car being driven by Ariel, an Argentinean pro soccer player. Ariel is ridden with pangs of guilt and both of them start having a passionate affair as she recuperates.

Trouble Doesn't Spare Anyone

Lorenzo, Sylvia's father has killed Paco, his business partner because he cheated him and nearly made him (Lorenzo) financially broke. For distinct reasons, Lorenzo is involved about the consequences and is worried about his daughter who has now come to live with him. The book studying to Lose is rather long though the questions raised by it are precisely inspiring and engage the readers. Readers may also want to know what happened to the affair in the middle of Ariel and Sylvia since she is a minor at the time of affair.

Enjoy It Slowly

Since it's a translation, readers may enjoy the storyline slowly, but once they complete it, they'll find it's worthwhile. The characters are trying to leave unscathed, though the readers are aware it won't happen. Relationships appear difficult to carry on right from the beginning, due to some factors, along with their nationalities. The story appears very human when the characters try to hurt their partners so they can protect themselves from the apparent doom (failure of relationships).

The Insecurities Are Clear

Throughout this long tale, the insecurities of the characters are pretty clear, and their attempts to make the relationships last even when they know it's not possible seems very human. The thoughts and dialogues go together, creating a confusing but inspiring tale and web of ideas.

learning to Lose by David Trueba