Subject
Argentine fiction -- 20th century Books
Best books
Roberto Jorge Payró
Pago Chico
"Pago Chico" by Roberto Jorge Payró is a novel written in the early 20th century. It presents a detailed portrayal of life in a small Argentine town, focusing on the political intrigues and social dynamics among its residents. The novel features characters such as the ambitious Don Ignacio and journalist Pedro Viera, who become embroiled in the struggles for power and influence in their community. At the start of the novel, the setting is established in the town of Pago Chico, a landscape shaped by political manipulation and societal disputes. The opening describes the fort and its development into a town populated by a diverse and often fractious community composed of soldiers' families, indigenous people, and traders. As rival factions begin to coalesce, we meet several key figures, including Don Ignacio, who leads the opposition against the corrupt authorities, and Viera, who is determined to expose the injustices through his newspaper, "La Pampa." The stage is set for a tale rich with conflict, ambition, and the quest for justice in a politically charged atmosphere.
Roberto Jorge Payró
Divertidas aventuras del nieto de Juan Moreira
"Divertidas aventuras del nieto de Juan Moreira" by Roberto Jorge Payró is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the life of young Mauricio Gómez Herrera as he navigates his upbringing in the small town of Los Sunchos, filled with political intrigue, childhood mischief, and early experiences of love and adventure. As the son of a notable political figure, Mauricio's privileged yet complex existence provides a backdrop for exploration of his character and the social dynamics of his time. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Mauricio and his idyllic life in Los Sunchos, where he is spoiled by the townsfolk and indulges in various escapades. His reflections reveal a spirited and astute personality, as he recounts the favoritism he receives due to his father's status and his adventures with schoolmates. The opening portion sets the stage for broader themes of social hierarchy, childhood innocence, and the challenges of growth as Mauricio prepares for a transition that includes entering school and engaging in political discussions because of his father's influence. The narrative hints at his evolving relationships and impending journey to larger realms, both socially and personally.
Arturo Cancela
Tres relatos porteños Segunda edición
"Tres relatos porteños" by Arturo Cancela is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work captures life in Buenos Aires, focusing on contemporary social issues through its engaging narratives. Each story in the collection delves into different facets of human experience and societal challenges, revealing Cancela's keen observational prowess and thoughtfulness. The opening of the collection introduces one of the stories, "El Cocobacilo de Herrlin," focusing on the character Augusto Herrlin, a privat docent from Uppsala. He has started his new journey in Buenos Aires, where he aims to tackle a burgeoning rabbit plague threatening the agricultural landscape. The narrative unfolds the bureaucratic complexities that Herrlin faces upon his arrival, highlighting a mix of his scientific aspirations and the absurdities of the Argentine administrative system. Through Herrlin's experiences, the opening sets a tone ripe for exploration of themes such as scientific integrity, political irony, and the often convoluted intersection of progress and bureaucracy in society.
Leopoldo Lugones
Las Fuerzas Extrañas
"Las Fuerzas Extrañas" by Leopoldo Lugones is a collection of short stories published in 1906. This pioneering work of Argentine science fiction and fantasy features twelve tales exploring the dangerous consequences of pushing beyond human knowledge's limits. Scientists invite friends to witness their experimental results, only to meet with disaster. The stories employ pseudoscientific theories—some later validated by actual science—to examine themes like sound's hidden power, thought materialization, and evolution's unsettling implications. Praised by Borges, this collection fundamentally shaped Latin American speculative fiction.
Roberto Jorge Payró
El casamiento de Laucha
"El casamiento de Laucha" by Roberto Jorge Payró is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book weaves a comedic tale around the trials and tribulations of its protagonist, Laucha, who is a small, cautious, and clever man navigating life and love in rural Argentina. Through his misadventures, it explores themes of poverty, the struggles for a better life, and the humorous intricacies of human relationships. The story follows Laucha, who embarks on a journey filled with mishaps as he attempts to find a more prosperous existence in Buenos Aires. After a series of unfortunate events, he ends up in a rural pulpería (general store) where he meets Carolina, a widowed storekeeper. Their budding relationship leads to a secret marriage, compounded by humorous and chaotic circumstances, including Laucha's gambling problems and misunderstandings. Payró paints a vivid picture of Argentine life and culture, using rich dialogue and description to bring to life Laucha's comical struggles and the colorful characters he encounters. Ultimately, the novel showcases the absurdities and resilience of everyday life as Laucha seeks love and stability against the backdrop of his erratic fate.
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