The Depopulation

New York Times Book Review “What to Read Next” selection
Vol. 1 Brooklyn “Recommended Books” selection
Latinx in Publishing “Latinx Releases” selection

“The strength of Closs’s novel, inventively translated from the Spanish by Thomas Bunstead, lies not in its plot but in its provocative, often gently humorous contrasting of Indigenous Guaraní beliefs with those of Mission San Ignacio’s two leaders.” —New York Times Book Review

“[The Depopulation] is now part of the historical record of that which is gone, and another reminder of the important role that fiction can play in portraying cultures that have been lost to aggressions of the past.” —Southwest Review

“Simply beautiful writing. . . . Closs has captured the tension and terror [of colonialization], provided humorous relief, yet never strays from the story of this small mission in 17th-century Brazil.” —North of Oxford

“[Closs’] knowledge of the history and rich folklore of South America is evident on every page. . . . In lush, lyrical prose, the novel reveals the devastating effect of colonialism on indigenous populations.” —Historical Novels Review

“[An] immersive English-language debut. . . . Closs, who exhibits deep knowledge of the region’s history, often uses dry humor to highlight the absurdity of the Jesuits’ ‘civilizing mission.’ . . . It’s an inspired effort.” —Publishers Weekly

“The narrative voice reverberates with the resonance of parable and is peppered with Guaraní songs and verses. . . . A beautiful, absurd, and fascinating exploration of the tragic fallout from a fierce cultural clash.” —Booklist

“Threaded by beautifully imaginative prose and a cast of endearing characters, The Depopulation is a poetic journey into the depths of nature, affection, and religious experience. Marina Closs strikes me as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Latin American literature.” —Simón López Trujillo, author of Pedro the Vast

“Marina Closs’s writing trembles, sweats, explodes; she is, as of now, one of my favorite writers.” —Mónica Ojeda, author of Jawbone and Electric Shamans at the Festival of the Sun