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May 12, 2016JCLChrisK rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book is the story of an odd yet oddly compelling eccentric. Gustavo “Highway” Sanchez Sanchez has always been a collector, of everything, from art to books to his father’s fingernail clippings to the teeth of notable authors, philosophers, and celebrities from throughout history. In the second half of his life he discovers a purpose for his obsession, starting a second career as an auctioneer buying and selling collectibles. He doesn’t consider himself an auctioneer in the traditional mode, however, and intends to revolutionize the pursuit. Highway sells stories. Readers who spend enough time with him will realize that he has a very fluid and flexible approach to the concept of truth. If he can craft a story that raises an object’s value, make claims about its history that might not be entirely accurate or verifiable, he will. The story of his teeth—his “dental autobiography,” as he calls it, though simply “autobiography” might be more accurate—is curiously engaging because of his ability to spin yarns. It’s up to readers to decide how much they want to trust what he says as true. Luiselli has done more than create an entertaining tale. In her afterword she calls it a “novel-essay.” Highway is a vehicle for considering how perspective, meaning, and value are created and propagated. The book’s form is unusual and full of references to artists and thinkers (including at least one to herself, shared below). It is as strange and intriguing as the character she has created to tell it. I’m not sure I understood everything there is to understand about the book, but I know I enjoyed and appreciated it.