La ciudad de las bestias de Isabel Allende. Resumen por capítulos

La ciudad de las bestias de Isabel Allende. Resumen por capítulos

Summary of "La Ciudad de las Bestias" by Isabel Allende

Introduction to the Novel

  • Javier introduces the summary of Isabel Allende's work, "La Ciudad de las Bestias," contrasting it with her previous novel, "La Casa de los Espíritus."
  • He mentions that while this book is not one of his favorites, it contains interesting elements and parts he appreciates.

Chapter 1: The Nightmare

  • The story begins with 15-year-old Alexander Cold waking from a nightmare involving a giant black bird taking his mother.
  • Alex lives in California with his family; his mother Lisa is battling cancer, which strains their household dynamics.
  • After a difficult morning, Alex realizes he forgot his flute for school and returns home to find a distressing scene involving his mother.
  • Overwhelmed by emotions, Alex lashes out and destroys his room but later apologizes to his parents for his actions.
  • His father informs him that Lisa needs treatment in Texas and that Alex will stay with their paternal grandmother in New York.

Chapter 2: The Eccentric Grandmother

  • Upon arriving at New York City’s airport, Alex finds that his grandmother Kate is not there to greet him as expected.
  • He recalls past encounters with Kate that were both frightening and exciting due to her eccentric nature.
  • Frustrated after waiting for hours, Alex decides to navigate to Kate's apartment on his own.
  • On the bus ride, he meets Morgana, who offers help but ends up stealing all of Alex's possessions during a bathroom break.
  • Alone and panicked without money or belongings except for his passport, Alex reflects on past experiences related to substance use.

Chapter 3: The Abominable Man of the Jungle

  • After calming down, Alex asks for directions and starts walking towards Kate’s apartment despite being far away.
  • He arrives at Kate's apartment late at night; she greets him sternly but shows care by preparing food and a bath for him.
  • At 64 years old, Kate is strong-willed and has an eclectic collection of artifacts from around the world in her home.

Exploring the Amazon: A Mysterious Expedition

The Journey Begins

  • Alex receives a beautiful gift, a flute that sounds even more enchanting than his lost one. Kate informs him they will travel to the Amazon region on an assignment for International Geographic to investigate a mysterious creature.
  • This creature, known as "the beast," is described by witnesses as extremely tall, walking on two feet and leaving a terrible odor. Rumors suggest it has killed several people in the area.
  • They begin their journey from Manaus, Brazil, where Alex is surprised by the modernity of the city and its economic disparities between residents.

Encounters and Observations

  • Alex meets fellow expedition members: anthropologist Ludovic LeBlanc, photographer Timothy Bruce, and assistant Joel González. He notes the stark contrast between wealth and extreme poverty in Manaus.
  • The group departs by boat along the Rio Negro towards Santa María de la Lluvia. Alex learns about local tribes who lack modern technology and written language.
  • Onboard, they meet Venezuelan doctor Omaira Torres, who vaccinates locals against diseases brought by outsiders. LeBlanc expresses negative views about indigenous people while Torres defends their peaceful nature.

Cultural Insights

  • As they travel upstream, Kate focuses on her work while Alex marvels at diverse wildlife but remains picky with food. He looks forward to sharing his experiences with friends back home.
  • Upon reaching Santa María de la Lluvia, they meet César Santos and his young daughter Nadia. Alex observes soldiers meant to protect natives but finds them ineffective against external threats.
  • In this small settlement of colonists and explorers, he encounters assimilated indigenous people who contradict LeBlanc's violent portrayals.

Planning the Expedition

  • At their hotel in Santa María de la Lluvia, the team discusses plans for their expedition. LeBlanc insists on an early start while being condescending towards Dr. Torres.
  • They also meet Captain Ariosto of the local army and businessman Amaury Carías who prompted International Geographic's investigation into "the beast." Carías claims it's a communal issue despite skepticism from LeBlanc regarding its existence.

Spiritual Encounters

  • Santos shares stories about local spirituality; he explains how natives believe everything has a soul which complicates conversion efforts to Christianity by figures like Father Baldomero.
  • That night, Alex ventures near the river with Nadia and her pet monkey Borova when she senses something nearby. Following her call mimicking an owl leads them deeper into the jungle despite warnings not to stray from town.

Meeting Walimai

  • They encounter an ethereal man named Walimai who appears ghost-like; he converses with Nadia as if familiar before revealing an amulet that produces owl sounds when blown.
  • Walimai is identified as a shaman capable of traversing spiritual realms alongside his wife’s spirit. He warns them about dangers related to seeking "the beast" due to their pure souls being called for this task.

Warnings Ahead

  • Despite skepticism from Alex regarding Walimai's warnings about potential death during their expedition, Nadia believes in his message concerning protection through her amulet against a cannibalistic spirit bird named Rajac Kanara.

Investigating the Plans of Mauro Carías

Discovery of a Sinister Plot

  • Alex leaves his hammock at the hotel and wakes Nadia to investigate. They overhear Captain Ariosto and Mauro Carías discussing a plan to exploit lands occupied by native tribes.
  • Carías mentions that someone he trusts will be on the expedition but does not reveal their identity, hinting at a plan to rid the area of indigenous people.

The Encounter with Mauro Carías

  • Before departing from the village, the expedition members visit Mauro Carías, rumored to be misguided in his pursuit of wealth. He hosts an extravagant lunch for his guests.
  • During lunch, Alex learns about Nadia's claim that she can communicate with animals, which most guests doubt. Carías suggests they interact with one of his pets—a restless black jaguar.

The Black Jaguar Vision

  • Alex is captivated by the jaguar and experiences a vision where he sees himself alone with it in an expansive amber landscape surrounded by tall black towers and six moons.
  • As Alex attempts to free the jaguar after witnessing it being used as bait for a monkey, César Santos shoots and kills it. This angers Carías but Santos claims it was done to liberate the animal.

Spiritual Connections

  • After leaving the complex, Alex shares his vision with Nadia, who explains that jaguars are spirit animals representing one's true self. She encourages him to embody this spirit.
  • Nadia attributes her spiritual knowledge to Walimai, suggesting everyone has an accompanying spirit animal.

The Expedition Begins

Preparations for Journey Upstream

  • The expedition team packs supplies for their journey upstream. LeBlanc hires an Indian named Caraca as a personal assistant while five soldiers join them along with another guide named Matug.
  • Despite LeBlanc's objections, Nadia insists on joining her father to avoid unwanted attention from Mauro Carías.

Cultural Insights Along the River

  • As they travel up the Orinoco River, Alex learns about native culture from local guides. He discovers communal living practices among tribes and how they share responsibilities equally.
  • There are warnings about outsiders corrupting indigenous ways through exposure to metal weapons like machetes or guns.

Challenges in the Jungle

Observations and Tensions Rise

  • While navigating through Venezuelan territory, Alex notices unusual fruits and beautiful animals. Kate mentions this region is rumored to hold El Dorado—the mythical city of gold.
  • To pass time during their journey, Alex plays his flute which comforts others while attracting wildlife; however, peace is shattered when a poisoned dart strikes one of LeBlanc’s soldiers.

Increasing Danger

  • Following this incident, LeBlanc decides it's best to return to town due to rising tensions within the group as discomfort grows during their travels.

Reflections Amidst Adversity

Personal Growth Through Silence

  • While camping in the jungle under watchful eyes during shifts, Alexander realizes he can sit quietly for long periods reflecting on thoughts—comparing this tranquility with climbing mountains.

The Mysterious Jungle Encounter

Discovery of the Mutilated Body

  • The group finds the mutilated body of a missing man in the jungle, indicating a dangerous presence. Nearby, they discover a large pile of feces and broken branches, suggesting an enormous animal's recent activity.

Decision to Split the Group

  • Following another death, the group decides that Matu and some soldiers should escort the injured Jo González back to their village while others continue on. Leblan initially resists but agrees to stay when threatened with exposure as a coward by Kate.

Setting a Trap for the Beast

  • Alex and his team set up a trap for the beast, though there is skepticism about its effectiveness. They also distribute gifts to attract nearby Indigenous people for vaccinations by Dr. Torres. Meanwhile, they discover their radio is broken.

Encounter with Invisible Beings

  • After dark, Nadia's monkey draws attention to mysterious silent figures surrounding them in the jungle. These beings vanish without speaking, leading Nadia to believe they are from the legendary Fog People tribe known for invisibility.

Stranded Expedition

  • The next day reveals that two remaining soldiers have stolen their second boat, leaving the expedition stranded. They decide to maintain their position and keep fires burning while waiting for rescue from Captain Ariosto.

Suspicion and Intrigue

Alex's Injury and Suspicious Behavior

  • Alex suffers a painful fire ant bite that incapacitates him temporarily. Meanwhile, Nadia catches Caraca inspecting Dr. Torres' vaccine supplies; she informs Alex and Dr. Torres about his suspicious behavior.

Competition Among Expedition Members

  • Throughout the day, Alex observes tension among expedition members vying for Dr. Torres' favor as he continues playing music at night.

Captured by Fog People

  • That night, they encounter the elusive beings again but this time are captured after Al is knocked unconscious. As they are taken deeper into the jungle, Nadia uses her knowledge of native languages to communicate with them.

Journey into Unknown Territory

Introduction to Fog People's Culture

  • The Fog People impressively respond to Nadia’s amulet gift from Walimai; they offer food and invite Alex to drink masato (an alcoholic beverage). Both fall unconscious afterward while only Nadia remains sober enough to witness an approaching beast.

Arrival at "Eye of the World"

  • After being led through dense terrain by Mokar It (the chief), Alex and Nadia arrive at a beautiful valley called "Eye of the World," surrounded by towering tepuis mountains reminiscent of visions Alex had previously experienced.

Integration into Fog People's Society

Learning About Their Way of Life

  • Upon arrival at Tipar Water Teri (the hidden village), Alex and Nadia learn about community values centered around connection with nature and simplicity—principles upheld by generations within this society.

Participation in Festivities

  • As preparations begin for welcoming home warriors during celebrations featuring food, drink, and dance commence; however, Chief Mokar It grows weaker amidst festivities which foreshadows potential challenges ahead for both him and his people.

The Journey to Tapira Teri

Arrival and Prophecy

  • Nadia and Alex are the only foreigners to have entered Tapira Teri since its founding, invited due to Walimai's prophecy that Nadia must help protect the villagers from the Sanguinarios.
  • Following Mocita's death, chaos ensues in the village as they struggle to choose a successor. Nadia uses her amulet to summon Walimai, who calms the tribe and informs them of Alex's arrival.

The Threat of Nahab

  • Walimai describes the Nahab as madmen resembling corpses, promising they will never enter "the eye of the world." However, Alex warns that helicopters may breach their defenses.
  • Alex and Nadia participate in tribal funeral rites under ayahuasca influence, transforming into their totem animals—Alex as a jaguar and Nadia as an eagle—during a spiritual journey where Nadia sees three significant crystal eggs.

Leadership Transition

  • After consuming a drink made from Mocita’s bones, both become tribe members. Iomi is chosen as chief while also appointing additional leaders; Nadia (Eagle) will calm Rac and Alex (Jaguar) will negotiate with the Nahab.
  • The men of the tribe subject Alex to trials including covering his arm with red ants. He learns to embrace suffering without resistance, marking his transition into adulthood.

Quest for Healing

  • In Chapter 13: Sacred Mountain, Alex visits his hospitalized mother in a vision. Walimai suggests he seek mystical healing waters for her recovery.
  • Despite confusion about their mission's purpose versus aiding Dr. Torres with vaccinations, they embark on a journey toward Sacred Mountain where gods reside.

Climbing Tepui

  • Walimai explains that only those invited by gods can visit Tepui’s summit; he is currently their messenger but fears he hasn't trained anyone else for this role.
  • As they navigate through labyrinthine passages up Tepui, they witness extraordinary sights like crystal caves and exotic flora.

Discoveries at the Summit

  • Upon exiting the passageway, they find a breathtaking valley filled with lush vegetation and strange birds—a supposed city of gold revealed instead as mineral formations.

Encountering Beasts

Meeting Giant Creatures

  • They encounter what appears to be a giant sloth-like creature which moves slowly yet possesses powerful olfactory glands akin to skunks for defense.

Council of Beasts

  • The beast communicates in a language similar to that of fog people; it reveals itself as one of many gods residing in this false city of gold.

Symbiosis Between Species

  • During a council meeting among beasts, it's discovered that these creatures live symbiotically with fog people—protecting each other from external threats while sharing historical knowledge across generations.

Negotiating Peace

Addressing External Threats

  • Acting on Iomi’s guidance as chief negotiator with Nahab, Alex attempts to explain how recent actions by beasts endanger both them and fog people while advocating collaboration for mutual protection against threats.

Shared Dreams

Chapter 14: The Crystal Eggs and Water of Health

Nadia and Alex's Quest

  • Nadia and Alex are tasked with retrieving crystal eggs and water for health, initially facing resistance from the beasts due to their requests.
  • Walimai informs them that they must embark on dangerous journeys; Alex will go underground while Nadia climbs a tepui. Failure to complete their missions in one day means being trapped forever in the valley.

Nadia's Journey

  • This chapter shifts perspective to Nadia, who confronts her fear of heights by focusing on solutions rather than problems as she ascends the tepui.
  • As she climbs, she experiences a spiritual moment, feeling detached from her body before entering a nest containing three crystal eggs.

The Exchange for the Eggs

  • Initially unable to move the eggs, Nadia recalls Walimai’s lesson about sacrifice. She decides to trade her amulet for the eggs, realizing their importance in saving people from danger.
  • Upon making the exchange, the eggs become light enough for her to carry back down.

Chapter 15: The Water of Luud

Alex's Descent

  • While Nadia ascends, Alex crawls through a narrow tunnel deep into the earth. He feels panic but calms himself using breathing techniques taught by his father.
  • Discovering a lake resembling milk, he wonders if it is indeed the water of health and sees a vision of Cecilia Burns from California.

Temptation vs. Duty

  • Despite being tempted by thoughts of wealth from gems found in another cave, he remembers Walimai’s promise about the magical properties of health water and continues his search.

Confrontation with Danger

  • After navigating obstacles, he encounters a giant white bat guarding the source of eternal youth. Using music from his flute scares it away temporarily.

Return to Safety

Sacrifice for Success

  • To access the water after scaring off the bat, Alex sacrifices his flute—his most valued possession—realizing that gaining something valuable often requires loss.

Reunion with Nadia

  • Upon returning to the valley with water and finding Nadia with crystal eggs, they learn that beasts have decided not to attack humans anymore based on their advice.

Chapter 16: Departure from Tapira Teri

Arrival of International Geographic Expedition

  • Back at Tapira Teri, they find an expedition has arrived via helicopter. Walimai prepares to leave while Alex gives him his Swiss knife as thanks for assistance.

Urgency in Vaccination Efforts

  • Dr. Omaira Torres emphasizes urgency in vaccinating local tribes against diseases as they find no signs of them around town.

Nadia's Communication Attempts

Convincing Trust

  • That night, while others sleep, Nadia ventures into the jungle attempting to convince members of "the mist" tribe about trusting international efforts led by Kate.

Acceptance Challenges

  • When trying again during daylight hours to persuade them regarding vaccination safety using Mauro Carías as an example fails when he refuses out of fear.

Final Acceptance

Overcoming Fear

Chapter 18: Bloodstains and Chaos

The Unraveling of the Vaccination Scheme

  • Two friends realize that the vaccine syringe contains a dangerous substance, leading to a chaotic interruption as they save Tama from being vaccinated.
  • Caraca reveals his role in investigating the disappearance of native tribes, suspecting Mauro Carías, which escalates tensions when Captain Ariosto shoots him amidst the chaos.
  • As soldiers and natives die during the conflict, Ludovic LeBlanc rescues a baby, realizing that they are the true savages rather than the indigenous people.
  • Alex discovers Dr. Torres has been complicit with Carías in decimating native tribes using fake vaccines that actually contain viruses.
  • It becomes evident that Carías intended for National Geographic to document vaccinations to falsely demonstrate safety measures while hiding their true intentions.

The Fight for Survival

  • A helicopter is dispatched to evacuate injured personnel, prompting LeBlanc to devise a plan to distract Ariosto and protect their lives by pretending not to suspect him.
  • Ariosto confiscates Bruce's film footage to cover up evidence of the day's events while preparing for an overnight stay at camp under strict control.
  • Nadia uses her mental powers of invisibility to navigate through the jungle at night while Walimai frees Al from his bindings with a Swiss knife.

Chapter 19: Protection and Trust

Navigating Danger in the Jungle

  • Despite feeling hopeless about negotiating with Ariosto, Al joins forces with Nadia and Walimai as they hide in the forest.
  • The expedition team finds their camp completely abandoned by morning; Iomi expresses doubts about outsiders and vaccines but trusts Nadia and Alex implicitly.
  • After summoning beasts at Walimai's request, Iomi leads efforts to rescue expedition members from danger while mourning lost tribe members.

Rebuilding Relationships

  • The tribe expresses a desire to rebuild elsewhere after discovering Ariosto’s body killed by beasts during the night; they seek cooperation with Alex and Nadia’s group.
  • Following negotiations on alliances between friends and foes, Iomi assists in guiding them back towards safety after sharing an evening together.

Chapter 20: Parting Ways

Returning Home Amidst Conspiracy

  • César Santos successfully pilots the group back home where they learn about Carías' severe condition following an incident involving brain damage.
  • Father Baldomero informs Kate about her deeper involvement in conspiracies against natives due to her interactions with Dr. Torres amid suspicions surrounding Carías and Ariosto.
  • Kate laments their lack of solid proof against conspirators until César reveals he recovered a vial of supposed vaccine from Torres’ supplies as potential evidence.

Foundation for Protection

Planning a Foundation

  • Y LeBlanc and others are planning to form a foundation aimed at protecting people from the fog.
  • Alex and Nadia share a moment together on the village dock, reflecting on their experiences since they met.
  • Nadia gifts Alex a basket containing three crystal eggs, which she reveals are actually diamonds intended to help fund the protection initiative.

Future Aspirations

  • Alex informs Nadia that Kate has been assigned to write another article about a remote area in the Himalayas.