First: the 2009 Tournament of Books has started, where Roberto Bolaño's 2666 reigns supreme. (Is anyone even surprised?)

Second, given that Bolaño is something of a demigod in literary circles, I'm almost ready to believe this is a hoax:

Two new novels by the Chilean author Roberto Bolaño have reportedly been found in Spain among papers he left behind after his death. The previously unseen manuscripts were entitled Diorama and The Troubles of the Real Police Officer, reported La Vanguardia.

The newspaper said the documents also included what is believed to be a sixth section of Bolaño's epic five-part novel 2666.

And third, Ryan, if you remember Capote, then I think you'll get a kick out this little bit: "[Bolaño], who spent the last part of his life in the Costa Brava region of Spain, died at the age of 50 in 2003."

Comments

[Pete]

Given Bolano's prolific nature, is it really that surprising there were two "lost" manuscripts found? I wouldn't be surprised if there are more than two.

That first round win was completely expected, especially since many of the judges hadn't even heard of the first-round competitor before. But with all the hype 2666 has been getting, I'm predicting a second- or third-round upset due to critic backlash.

[J.S. Peyton]

I second Pete's thoughts. Plus, I suspect that more than one of the critics may feel like Kevin and John (from "In the Booth") do about "2666." Namely, that it's good, but is it great? Maybe not.

I haven't finished "2666" yet, but I'm happy to learn there may be another book. How long do we have to wait for that, I wonder.