Juan Goytisolo, though not yet widely known in the United States, is celebrated by many as a leading European novelist. His significance stems from his ability to capture the shifting landscapes of contemporary European fiction, an achievement that discerning publishers like Dalkey Archives have brought to the attention of American audiences. For readers unfamiliar with Goytisolo's oeuvre, Quarantine may present a challenging introduction. Nevertheless, despite its brevity and density, the novel encapsulates several hallmark characteristics of Goytisolo's literary style.

The novel's title, "Quarantine," is multilayered, evoking various interpretations. Central to these is the Islamic belief in a forty-day period during which the soul lingers between corporeal death and eternal life. This belief not only weaves through the novel, providing rich thematic material, but also serves as a device to explore interactions between Christian and Islamic cultures. Notable within this exploration are contemplations on Dante’s The Divine Comedy and reflections on the Gulf War, offering a profound commentary on the collision and coalescence of these two worlds.

Narratively, Quarantine propels itself through the motif of a quest romance. On one hand, this is depicted through the narrator's pursuit of a recently deceased friend, while on another level, it symbolizes an author’s endeavor to unearth his subject. This dual quest interlaces with the novel’s exploration of identity and purpose, enriching its narrative complexity.

The blending of diverse narrative techniques, representational modes, and metaphysical musings creates a tapestry that may appear opaque to literal-minded readers. However, for those willing to delve deeper, it is precisely this intermingling, coupled with the title's suggested indeterminacy, that renders Quarantine a captivating reflection of modern cultural upheaval. The novel resonates with the distinctive fin de siècle sentiments that pervade contemporary thought, inviting readers to ponder the broader implications of an era in flux.