"This novel narrates the trajectory of one of last century’s most famous bullfighters, El Cordobés. The interesting point in the narrative of the book is the interpolation of the great bullfight in Madrid—where he will receive what is called the ‘alternativa’ (that is, become a fully fledged bullfighter)—with the story of his life and of the bullfighting culture."

"I love True Romance. When I read the script for Dead Man Down, it kind of reminded me a little bit of that one. It’s like some kind of thing similar to that crazy world around them: the violence, the criminals, the macho culture, and those two main characters with very complicated souls. So that one is one of my favorites."

"My friend Daniel Patterson gave me this book and told me it is one of his favorite books that he’s ever read. Beatty’s use of language and humor is complex and layered, unfolding more and more each time you read it. It is also a book that has taught me—as a Dane—a great deal about the predominant culture in the West — America."