- “Ficciones” by Jorge Luis Borges: This collection of short stories by Borges is considered a classic of Argentine literature, exploring themes of reality, infinity, and the power of imagination.
- “The Invention of Morel” by Adolfo Bioy Casares: Set on a mysterious island, this science fiction novel follows the protagonist’s attempt to understand the enigmatic events occurring there.
- “Argentina 1516-1987: From Spanish Colonisation to Alfonsín” by David Rock: Not a novel, this comprehensive account by a leading historian delves into the formation of the modern nation-state of Argentina, the settlement of the pampas, the contrasts between Buenos Aires and the interior, and the rise and influence of Perón. While it doesn’t cover the current democratic period, this book remains a valuable reference.
- “A State of Fear: Memories of Argentina’s Nightmare” by Andrew Graham-Yooll: Drawn from the author’s experiences as the news editor of the Buenos Aires Herald during the turbulent 1970s and military dictatorship of the 1980s, this memoir portrays the violence, disappearances, and political turmoil in Argentina. Graham-Yooll’s involvement with the Montoneros guerrilla outfit and the subsequent trial of the Montonero leader adds personal perspective to the narrative.
- “The Invention of Argentina” by Nicolas Shumway is a comprehensive intellectual and cultural history book that delves into the origins of Argentine nationalism in the 19th century. Shumway, an emeritus professor at Rice University, examines the “guiding fictions” of Argentine nationalism and argues that they have fostered exclusion rather than a unifying national ideal. According to Shumway, this ideological legacy has contributed to societal conflicts between different groups in Argentina, such as the rich and the poor, and the capital and the interior. The book presents an interesting analysis of how these historical factors have influenced Argentina’s decline over the past century.
- “Santa Evita” by Tomás Eloy Martínez: Blending fact and fiction, this novel focuses on Eva Perón’s embalmed corpse, which became a point of contention after the overthrow of Juan Perón’s government in 1955. The book explores the cult of political necrophilia prevalent in Latin America, the religious devotion within Peronism, and the paranoia associated with anti-Peronism. It serves as a companion to the earlier work “The Perón Novel.”
- “In Patagonia” by Bruce Chatwin: In this eloquently written travelogue, Chatwin takes readers on a journey through Argentine history and society, from Buenos Aires to Patagonia. He encounters Welsh settlers, explores the trail of Butch Cassidy, stumbles upon dinosaur fossils, and weaves in personal family stories. Although some elements may be fictionalized, the book is captivating and considered a classic.
- “Fever Dream” by Samanta Schweblin: This psychological horror novella, shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize, introduces a dying woman being interrogated by a young boy in a hospital setting. Their conversation reveals a world of fear, madness, and parental concerns against the backdrop of soybean monoculture and agrochemical contamination. Schweblin’s work is gripping and unsettling.
- “El Nudo: Por qué el conurbano bonaerense modela la política argentina” by Carlos Pagni: In this book, which is not yet available in English, Pagni explores Argentina’s transformation into a fully Latin American society since the 2001 financial and economic collapse. Focusing on the conurbano, the post-industrial urban region surrounding Buenos Aires, Pagni examines its history, sociology, and politics. He highlights how the conurbano forms the political base for leftist-populist Peronists like Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, and discusses the management of poverty and the challenges of underdevelopment.
- “Hopscotch” by Julio Cortázar: In this literary work, the author invites readers to choose their own reading path as they navigate through the intricacies of Argentine life and culture.
- “The Buenos Aires Affair” by Manuel Puig: Puig’s novel delves into the complexities of urban life in Buenos Aires and portrays the impact of societal pressures on personal relationships.
- “The Secret in Their Eyes” by Eduardo Sacheri: This thrilling crime novel explores themes of love, memory, and justice, following a retired detective’s quest to solve a decades-old murder case.
- “Kiss of the Spider Woman” by Manuel Puig: Set in an Argentine prison, this novel tells the story of two cellmates, one a political prisoner and the other an openly gay man, who form an unlikely bond.
- “The Gods of Tango” by Carolina de Robertis: This novel tells the story of a young Italian woman who disguises herself as a man to explore her passion for tango music in Buenos Aires during the early 20th century.
- “The Aleph” by Jorge Luis Borges: Another work by Borges, this collection of stories includes several tales set in Argentina, combining elements of fantasy, metaphysics, and intricate storytelling
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels (& non fiction works) set in Argentina
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