Best Books About Argentina

Embark on a hypnotic journey through the labyrinthine history of Argentina as an American student searches for the greatest living tango singer. Set against a backdrop of economic turmoil and political tension in 2001, this novel explores the rumors and legends surrounding the enigmatic Julio Martel. As the protagonist delves deeper into Martel's elusive performances, he uncovers a map of the city's darkest moments. This mesmerizing tale is perfect for fans of Borges and those looking to immerse themselves in the sultry world of tango.

Explore the paradoxical nation of Argentina in The Argentina Reader. This diverse collection of songs, articles, scholarly essays, poems, and short stories sheds light on Argentina's complex history, culture, and society. Featuring more than 40 texts never before published in English, this book provides a comprehensive look at the nation's indigenous roots, workers, women, and other marginalized groups, in addition to the country's major political figures. Focusing on the 20th century, it covers Peronism, dictatorship, and the neoliberalism that plunged the nation into economic crisis. Perfect for those seeking to learn about Argentine culture, history, and society.

Embark on a thrilling travel adventure across a continent with a young Che Guevara in his lively travel diary. This expanded edition includes unpublished photos taken by Ernesto, as well as a preface by his daughter Aleida offering insights into the man and the icon. With features such as personal reflections and maps, this book is a must-read for those seeking an exciting and insightful journey. Published in association with the Che Guevara Studies Center, Havana.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin is a unique masterpiece that effortlessly blends elements of biography, history, memoir, and travel writing. Since its publication in 1977, it has become a classic and has inspired countless travelers and writers. This special 40th-anniversary edition includes never-before-seen material from the author's archive, offering insight into the book's creation and publication. Join Chatwin on his life-changing adventure through the stunning landscape of Patagonia in this timeless and inspiring work.

A young writer returns to his home in South America to say goodbye to his dying father. While going through his parents' house, he discovers a cache of documents that uncovers his father's obsession with the disappearance of a local man. As he delves deeper, he comes face-to-face with Argentina's dark political past and his family's underground resistance against an oppressive regime. This daring novel highlights corruption, responsibility, and the power of remembrance.

This collection of seventeen stories showcases Jorge Luis Borges's unparalleled creativity and intellect, exploring surreal, otherworldly realms and concepts like eternal return and the abyss. With an obsession for fantasy and piercing irony, Borges invites readers on a journey through the iconography of literature, the labyrinth of books, and even Heaven and Hell themselves. A must-read for fans of fantastical fiction.

Explore the wild and mysterious land of Patagonia through the eyes of one man who has dared to push himself to the limit in seven expeditions there. Gregory Crouch shares both his successes and failures climbing the terrifying peaks of Patagonia, and reveals the gritty reality of the alpine craft, including the menial labor often required to fund the next expedition. With stunning color photographs that showcase the many different moods and landscapes of Patagonia, Enduring Patagonia is a breathtaking odyssey through one of the last truly wild places on earth.

This powerful poem is a protest against the loss of freedom and individuality experienced by the gaucho - a minority group in Argentina forced to adjust to a new culture imposed by the government. Over a century old, the poem has been translated into nineteen languages and appeals to oppressed groups around the world. It provides a historical link to the gauchos' contribution to Argentina's development, from fighting in civil wars to clearing the pampas of Indian bands. A masterpiece of world literature, this English version captures the poem's substance and tone, making it a catalyst for enjoyment, provocation, and insight.

Follow Horacio Oliveira, an Argentine writer living in Paris with his mistress and bohemian friends, as he embarks on a life-changing journey prompted by a child's death and La Maga's disappearance, leading him to return to Buenos Aires. Hopscotch is an adventure-filled tale heavily influenced by Henry Miller's search for truth and Zen Buddhism. Cortázar's use of interior monologue, punning, and different languages is reminiscent of Modernist writers while drawing inspiration from Surrealism, the French New Novel, jazz, and New Wave Cinema. The National Book Award-winning translation by Gregory Rabassa earned high praise from Cortázar, who recommended the translator to Gabriel García Márquez.

This gripping thriller follows Bernie Gunther, falsely accused of Nazi war crimes, to 1950's Buenos Aires. But when a serial killer begins murdering young girls and the murders are linked to Gunther's past in Berlin, he can't resist getting involved. A Quiet Flame is loaded with evocative historical detail and is among the best work of acclaimed thriller writer Philip Kerr.