The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night (Tango Apasionado)

The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night (Tango Apasionado) is a 1991 novel by Alain Paul Mallon. It is the third in his fictionalized trilogy about the tango, following The Little Thief of Argentine Songs and preceding Useless Kisses. The novel delves into themes of obsession, passion, and the cyclical nature of life and love as expressed through the tango.

The narrative centers on a complex love triangle and the intertwined lives of its characters, all connected by their deep engagement with the world of Argentine tango. The "Rough Dancer" refers to a central male character, often depicted as flawed and driven by primal instincts. The "Cyclical Night" symbolizes the repetitive, sometimes destructive, patterns that emerge in relationships and the enduring presence of the tango as a backdrop to these dramas.

The novel explores the psychological depths of its characters, their desires, and their struggles with jealousy and betrayal. Tango is not merely a dance form in the story; it is a metaphor for the complicated and often painful dance of human relationships. The cyclical nature of events and emotions emphasizes the idea that history repeats itself, and that certain patterns are destined to re-emerge, particularly in the context of passionate, almost obsessive, relationships.

Mallon's writing style often incorporates evocative imagery and sensual descriptions, drawing the reader into the passionate atmosphere of the tango world. The novel aims to capture the emotional intensity and the dramatic undercurrents that are inherent in the dance form itself, translating them into a compelling narrative about love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.