The Story of My Teeth

La historia de mis dientes

The Story of My Teeth is a novel by Mexican author Valeria Luiselli, published in 2015. The book is notable for its unique narrative structure and its exploration of the themes of art, value, and identity. It was translated into English by Christina MacSweeney, and its innovative storytelling and collaborative origin have garnered international acclaim.

Plot Summary

The novel follows the protagonist, Gustavo "Highway" Sánchez Sánchez, a late-in-life world traveler, auctioneer, and collector of teeth, including those of notable figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Plato. Highway is a self-proclaimed "best auctioneer in the world," and he believes that his success lies in his ability to tell stories about the objects he sells, thereby increasing their value. The narrative unfolds through a series of anecdotes, each contributing to the construction of Highway's identity and his perceptions of value and authenticity.

Themes and Analysis

One of the central themes of The Story of My Teeth is the concept of value, both in the sense of the monetary worth of objects and the more abstract value of stories and identities. Luiselli explores how stories can transform the perceived value of an object, a concept that Highway exploits as an auctioneer. The novel also delves into the theme of identity, with Highway's collection of teeth serving as a metaphor for the construction of self through the accumulation of experiences and stories.

Another significant aspect of the novel is its commentary on the art world and the arbitrary nature of value within it. Luiselli uses Highway's auctions, where he sells ordinary objects with fabricated provenances to art collectors, as a critique of how value is often constructed in the art market.

Narrative Structure and Style

The Story of My Teeth is distinguished by its experimental narrative structure. The novel was originally written in collaboration with workers at a Jumex juice factory in Mexico as part of a commissioned project for an art exhibition. Luiselli sent chapters to the factory workers, who read them and provided feedback, which she then incorporated into the story. This collaborative process is reflected in the novel's episodic structure and the inclusion of photographs and documents that blur the line between fiction and reality.

The narrative is also characterized by its playful use of language and storytelling, with Highway's auctions and the tales he tells about his teeth showcasing Luiselli's interest in the power of narrative to shape reality.

Reception

Since its publication, The Story of My Teeth has received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, humor, and insightful exploration of themes related to art, value, and identity. It has been praised for its inventive narrative structure and the way it challenges traditional notions of authorship and storytelling. The novel has also been recognized for its contribution to discussions about the art world and the nature of value creation.

Conclusion

The Story of My Teeth is a remarkable work that stands out for its innovative approach to storytelling and its deep engagement with themes of value, identity, and the art world. Valeria Luiselli's novel is a testament to the power of narrative to transform our understanding of the world around us, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.