Chris Thompson Thompson itibaren Los Patos, Cravo Norte, Arauca, Colombia itibaren Los Patos, Cravo Norte, Arauca, Colombia

I had high hopes for this book. It was recommended to me because I liked Isabel Allende, and while it had a touch of that style that I enjoyed so much, this just did not live up to my expectations. This story was set in the north of Brazil, in a frontier town, emerging as a commercial port for cocoa. The entire plot centers around the relationship between a cafe owner and his cook and their continuously changing relationship. Many, many other characters and their stories are introduced throughout - and it can get a bit confusing. This novel is all about relationships and changing times in a small but growing community. Recommended if you enjoy South American literature. Otherwise, I'd skip it.