Reseña

The unique universe in Luis Barragán’s library centers on key books that build bridges, paths, and trailways along unusual routes. These parallel worlds were connected by Barragán so that future readers could peer through these reserved, veiled windows into his complex inner labyrinth. The Unquiet Grave, by Cyril Connolly, belongs to that universe, and its presence did not go unnoticed. This book was added to Barragán’s personal library in the 1950s, at a time of great creative euphoria, iconic projects, and transformative personal introspection. Luis Barragán, enthralled by hermeneutics, delves into the fabric of Connolly’s work, where Palinuro’s rudder unfailingly steers the ship toward a predestined final point on this restless journey. The architect opens the doors of this book to us in a way that is reserved and discreet, intentionally guiding us through his passions, desires, loves, and aspirations. With his reading and his detailed notes at the end, he offers us a space for reflection, discussion, and provocation. It should be noted that this copy contains not only Barragán’s notes, but also those of his closest friends, companions on this unquiet journey, who shared his intellectual understanding and codes. The brilliant essay by Dr. Sarah Obregón allows us to carefully examine the notes written in Connolly’s text—in pencil or red, blue, and green ink—and invites readers to draw their own conclusions. This is a different route from that outlined by previous readers and travelers, since Dr. Obregón is one of the few scholars who has set forth to navigate the passions, desires, and confessions of Barragán and Connolly. This, undoubtedly, makes us, as readers and travelers, accomplices in this essay.