All Forms of Art

Javier Marías’ The Infatuations ( Los enamoramientos ) is a thought-provoking novel that transcends its title. Though it suggests a romantic tale, the book is much more—an exploration of grief, love, moral ambiguity, and the inner turmoil of human consciousness.  First published in 2011, this literary gem earned the prestigious European Literary Prize , cementing Marías' status as one of Spain’s most intellectually rich authors. A Psychological Journey, Not Just a Plot While the novel begins with an almost voyeuristic interest in a seemingly perfect couple, it quickly evolves into something far deeper. The narrator, María, becomes entangled in their lives after a violent tragedy. As she uncovers a disturbing truth, she confronts a moral dilemma that forces her to reevaluate everything she believed about right, wrong, and her own desires. Marías masterfully portrays María’s internal conflict , capturing the hesitation, fear, and emotional complexity of someone who stumbles up...