Novel details
Villar Casino is a novel written by the renowned author Maria Dermoût. The story is set in a small village in the countryside, where the Villar family owns a casino that has been running for generations. The protagonist, Lucia Villar, is the eldest daughter of the family and she is expected to take over the business once her father retires.The novel explores themes of family dynamics, tradition, and the clash between modernity and tradition. Lucia struggles to balance her own desires and ambitions with the expectations placed upon her by her family and society. She dreams of leaving the small village and pursuing her own path, but feels trapped by her obligations to the casino and the family legacy.One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the vivid and evocative descriptions of the setting. Dermoût paints a picture of the idyllic countryside, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint villages. The casino itself is described in intricate detail, from the ornate decorations to the bustling crowds of gamblers and patrons.As the story unfolds, we see Lucia grappling with her own identity and struggling to find her place in the world. She must confront the expectations of her family, her own desires, and the changing times that threaten to upend the traditions of the past. Ultimately, she must make a choice between staying true to her roots or forging a new path for herself.I found Villar Casino to be a captivating and thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the story is engaging from start to finish. Dermoût's writing is lyrical and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the novel. The themes of tradition and modernity are explored with nuance and depth, making for a rich and rewarding reading experience.Overall, Villar Casino is a novel that lingers in the mind long after it is finished. It is a story of family, identity, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and compelling read.