What is wrong with humanity? Excellent question. I'm not so sure but I know there is so much intrinsic good that follows in the paths of many, unconsciously and consciously. There is also harm and when it comes to war and the conquest for power, much is lost but there is so much silent good and unseen/unspoken heroes whom are really trying and effectively doing so much good in the midst of being present to tragedy and suffering. It's an incredible thing how often we choose good even in the throes of humanity's worst displays. I'm sorry this book left you with a feeling of hopelessness, it seems to have struck much more of a chord than Bolaño's Savage Detectives. I haven't fully reached the end to my book-- but so far, considering how much my heart was racing reading the Savage Detectives which hasn't happened to me while reading a book in a veryyyyyyyyyyyy long time--if ever. I have a feeling The Savage Detectives takes the cake. Thank you for describing this book and what's happened in it so viscerally Carlina.