In Manuel Puig’s novel Kiss of the Spider Woman, Luis Alberto Molina, a sociable hairdresser, and Valentin Arregui Paz, a reserved Marxist revolutionary, share a prison cell in Buenos Aires from September to October 1975, where they bond over Molina's retelling of movie plots, gradually forming an emotional and physical connection, despite their ideological differences and Molina's secret mission to spy on Valentin. The novel includes scenes of imprisonment and torture.

Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig is lauded for its compelling character development and innovative narrative structure that blends dialogue and storytelling. Critics appreciate its exploration of gender, sexuality, and political themes. However, some find the dialogue-heavy format challenging and the shifts in narrative style disorienting.

A reader who would enjoy Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig likely appreciates complex character studies and explores themes of human connection amidst adversity. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez may find it impactful for its narrative depth and socio-political commentary.

Mysterious / Emotional / Romantic / Bittersweet / Dark

Manuel Puig

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Kiss of the Spider Woman reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Kiss of the Spider Woman | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Kiss of the Spider Woman and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Kiss of the Spider Woman Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-10

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-12

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 11-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-14

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-16

Kiss of the Spider Woman Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Kiss of the Spider Woman Character Analysis

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Themes

Kiss of the Spider Woman Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Kiss of the Spider Woman Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Kiss of the Spider Woman Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Kiss of the Spider Woman Essay Topics

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Kiss of the Spider Woman?

Reading Age

Book Details