BOOK BRIEF

The Black Cathedral

Marcial Gala
Guide cover placeholder

The Black Cathedral

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Marcial Gala

The Black Cathedral

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Cienfuegos, Cuba • 1990s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Black Cathedral by Marcial Gala, individuals living in Cienfuegos, Cuba, are affected by the construction of an ambitious cathedral by the Temples family. The intersecting lives of diverse community members reveal complex dynamics, cultural tensions, and unforeseen consequences, as the project brings about transformative events in the neighborhood.

Mysterious

Dark

Gritty

Unnerving

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

823 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Black Cathedral by Marcial Gala is lauded for its rich, vibrant storytelling and engaging narrative style, offering a vivid depiction of Cuban life. Readers appreciate the complex, interwoven stories and multifaceted characters. Some criticize the novel's fragmented structure, which might confuse, but others find it adds depth. Overall, it's a captivating but challenging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Black Cathedral?

Readers who enjoy The Black Cathedral by Marcial Gala are likely drawn to its rich, multilayered narratives and community dynamics. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao will appreciate its intricate storytelling, magical realism, and exploration of contemporary Cuban life.

3.9

823 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Cienfuegos, Cuba • 1990s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!