Arcadio.

Evanston, IL Northwestern University Press: Triquarterly, 1994. Paperback First Ed thus, so stated. First Ed thus, so stated. Very Near Fine in Wraps: shows only the mildest rubbing; binding square and secure; text clean. Virtually 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 147pp. University Press Paperback. Texas writer William Goyen's last novel, "Arcadio", a first-person account of a hermaphrodite's swan song, provides readers with a challenge every bit worth the effort. If one has read other Goyen (House of Breath, stories from Had I a Hundred Mouths), then "Arcadio" will satisfy the curiosity about how Goyen's fiction career came to a close. If one has never read a Goyen work, then this will surely inspire. The novel tells the story of Arcadio, a freak by anyone's (including his own) standards; Goyen explores boundaries of sexuality, ethnicity, and language in the tale as Arcadio tells his story of existing in a world that categorizes people. It is tragic comedy or a comic tragedy, depending on the reader's viewpoint. Goyen displays his talents as a student of human nature and his art with capturing authentic language. Arcadio's broken English (Spanglish), stream-of-consciousness style, aids readers in entering his tormented mind. This book is for anyone who wants a good, but compelling read.