THE PRESIDENT AND THE FROG by Carolina De Robertis - San Francisco Chronicle "‘The President and the Frog’ has a galvanizing and uplifting message"

San Francisco Chronicle | August 3, 2021

Carolina De Robertis’ exceptional new novel is about a humble statesman, a man who quietly leaves office after one presidential term and retreats to his small farmhouse and his vegetable garden. Yes, such leaders exist. But they’re about as common as talking frogs.

Which brings us to the book’s key supporting character. “The President and the Frog” reserves an important role for a loquacious amphibian who helps the politician understand himself and the world. Inspired by the life of José Mujica, former president of De Robertis’ native Uruguay, and Aristophanes’ 2,400-year-old comedy “The Frogs,” the Oakland writer beguilingly blends the earthbound and the fantastical. Her fifth novel is a hopeful, entertaining paean to language, justice and perseverance.

De Robertis’ protagonist never shares his name, but he’s forthcoming on many other subjects. Decades before he’s elected — he takes office in his 70s — he’s imprisoned for challenging his country’s dictatorship. He spends lots of time in solitary confinement.

Follow the link above to learn more.