Are we the authors of our own destinies, or are our stories already written?
One of my favourite reads of 2027, Crocodilopolis is a loose Cain and Abel retelling set across the United States and Costa Rica. It’s a sweeping, multigenerational story that allows us to really get to know the Oreamuno family. We don’t just follow Seth and Osario, our Cain and Abel stand-ins, but also their parents, grandparents, and children.
Before reading this novel, I knew very little about Costa Rica or its history, so I especially appreciated how deeply Arias wove Costa Rican culture and history throughout the story. It not only made the novel richer, but also left me feeling as though I had learned something along the way.
While you’re invested in the story of the Oreamuno family, the novel also explores the rise and persistence of white supremacy, stretching from pre-World War II Costa Rica to the United States surrounding the election of Donald Trump. Although Crocodilopolis may not immediately seem like a traditional historical fiction novel, I found it to be an impeccable story within the genre.
One of my favourite aspects of the novel was its exploration of destiny, fate, and free will. Do people really make their own choices, or are they simply bound to fulfill the will of destiny? Arias makes these ideas foundational to the story, constantly leaving you to question whether these characters ever truly had a choice. And, inevitably, the question becomes bigger: do any of us?
Another element Arias handles exceptionally well is the way he shifts between different characters, generations, and storylines to create parallels between them. This style of storytelling could easily become confusing, but I found the narrative surprisingly easy to follow, even while experiencing the novel as an audiobook.
There are so many quotes and passages that I annotated and that have stuck with me since finishing the novel. I’ve even found myself going back to reread certain passages, which is always the sign of a special book.
John Manuel Arias is a phenomenal storyteller. His writing grips you, keeps you guessing, and leaves you contemplating the story long after you’ve finished it. Crocodilopolis is a family saga, a retelling, a historical exploration, and a meditation on whether we control our destinies or are simply playing the roles that have already been written for us.
Received for free on NetGalley in exchange for an honest reviewRATING: 5/5
