Author's Note: May has began and to make the month even more interesting (and the other months, for this matter), I'm starting a Book of the Month feature. And the first novel for this monthly feature is the young adult book Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. This is my review of the novel.
What really are the secrets of the universe? Writer Benjamin Alire Saenz let the readers into the lives of two rather normal teenagers who just like everyone else, was trying to solve the universe’s mystery. They questioned every little thing the world had to offer but by doing so, they were led to much bigger and more complicated questions about their selves and identity. Dappled by Saenz’s personal knowledge of life and magnificent mastery over words, this lyrical, romantic novel – Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – succeeded in making both the readers and critics fell in love. Moreover, this wondrous novel became a recipient of many accolades such as the Michael L. Printz Award (2013), and Stonewall Book Award (2013).
Saenz, author of the best-selling books Carry Me Like Water and He Forgot To Say Goodbye, wrote the story of two incredibly different Mexican-American boys Aristotle Mendoza and Dante Quintana through the Ari’s angry, teenage eyes beginning from the time when they met at the public pool and became good friends, through their little curious adventures of universal and life exploration and finally to their beautiful self-discovery – spanning almost three years.
The best thing about this book was Saenz’s intelligent and romantic presentation of its ensemble. More than just two-dimensional and fictionalized people from a Mexican-American community, the characters – from the protagonists Aristotle and Dante to the supporting ones, who were their parents – became so real for they were all struggling with their personal flaws and demons just like actual humans fighting through life. That aspect made these fictional people relatable to the readers. Ultimately, Saenz has mastered the reality of being human and he has magnificently translated it into paper.
Metaphorically, reading this novel is like watching a flower grow and bloom – it’s tedious and slow. But watching the hard seed crack and, finally letting its small, tender sprout grow out until it becomes a wonderful flower makes you appreciate the growth and eventual blossoming. With its slow and careful pacing, some readers would find it dull to read, but it’s actually strategic and essential to the overall story that deals with a gentle and vulnerable topic – self-identity. Saenz, through his patient story-telling, lets his readers watch how his characters admirably bloom and lets us be a part of the story’s unveiling of itself until that breathless, beautiful ending.
In retrospect, the plot was purely simple and common. Saenz created this story, imitating life’s subtle and short splendor and aching banality. But it was this specific trait— that seemed like the book’s weakness – was its definite strength. The novel’s near-perfect depiction of the actual human life, both highs and lows, made this more stellar. Saenz has woven a story that resembled life in its actuality, and not everybody have such ability. Furthermore, the book’s main conflict was sexuality and Saenz has tackled this as honest as possible, without sugar-coating or trivializing anything. He brilliantly portrayed this poignant and angry character who struggled with self-acceptance and identity.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a rewarding read. It will make you cry and smile and probably, cry again, but it will be incredibly satisfying. Filled with real and flawed characters whose stories were patiently told by a master story-teller, this Benjamin Alire Saenz book is unforgettable. Perhaps, I’ll read this novel for the third time.
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