An Introduction To Argentine Literature In Books

Argentina has a strong literary tradition and has produced some of the world’s most celebrated authors, which creates a slight problem for those curious which titles to tackle first. Native Argentines will give you a different answer each time, and putting together a list of best reads that offer a hearty introduction to the genre is like trying to nail jello to a wall – it will keep you busy, but you won’t get anywhere. A good starting point is, frankly, anything by Jorge Luis Borges. For Borges buffs there is still more to discover, however. Here we highlight the essential titles and authors of Argentine literature, each available in both English and Spanish editions.

Rayuela (Hopscotch) by Julio Cortázar

An ‘anti-novel’ and important volume, this title is set in both Paris and Buenos Aires, and the book is representative of bohemian Argentina in the 1960s.

Scarecrow & Other Anomalies by Oliverio Girondo

Adolfo Bioy Casares

Pick up any book by Casares; you really can’t go wrong. Casares used to work with Borges, and even a few of Borges’ stories were ghost-written by Casares. One goes with the other: you can’t treasure Borges without Casares or Casares without reading Borges.

Idle Days in Patagonia by William Henry Hudson

A wonderful book about the last outpost and wilderness area at the ‘bottom of the world’ in Patagonia province.

Cris & Cris by Maria Felicitas Jaime

A post-dictatorship novella about women, this title features a love story that takes place in Buenos Aires; the work is a little sad while being pragmatic.

Tropical Night Falling by Manuel Puig

A story built on Puig’s experiences as an expatriate. If a book can be said to have ‘atmosphere,’ this makes the reader believe they’ve become a part of it as the storyline unravels.

Los Siete Locos by Roberto Arlt

Dwelling in dreams while Arlt’s sexual fantasies play out against an economic backdrop similar to 2017 Argentina, the imagery in this title is detailed and vivid and follows characters that won’t be forgotten when the book is shelved.

Blow-Up by Julio Cortázar

Though considered less innovative than Borges, Cortázar – already mentioned once on this list – tells tales with a deep-seated idea of the intersection between mythical and everyday life.

How I Became a Nun by César Aira

A style that may not be for everyone, Aira has an unconventional approach to storytelling; How I Became a Nun is a good introduction to his world. Funny depictions of youthful adventures make it witty with a tinge of surrealism.

The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez

In addition to telling a beautiful story, this book depicts a Buenos Aires far from the ‘tourist-y’ hangouts.

Otras Inquisiciones by Jorge Luis Borges

As we’ve already mentioned, Borges was one of the great writers of the 20th century. This volume has many good short stories that follow the lives of British citizens abroad in Argentina.

Los Pasajeros del Jardin by Silvina Bullrich

Los Pasajeros del Jardin tells of a happy, middle-aged couple that is devastated when the husband is diagnosed with cancer, and his wife wants to die as well.

La Invencion de Morel by Adolfo Bioy Casares

Honoured with international awards throughout his life, Casares’ legacy was hugely influential in the world of Argentine literature. Described by Borges as ‘perfect’, La Invencion de Morel tells the tale of a fugitive surviving on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. Despite not being precisely about Argentina, La Invencion de Morel makes a good, single-volume introduction to the genre.

Friends of Mine by Angela Pradelli

For loyal readers, Pradelli doesn’t need an introduction. Friends of Mine (2011) is her first full-length novel to be released in some time. It tells the story of a group of women living in Buenos Aires who meet once a year to celebrate the new year, and reflect on the strange and wonderful passage of time.

Traveller of the Century by Andrés Neuman

Traveller of the Century found its way onto bookshelves as a story that is both contemporary and historical. The volume is an intellectual novel full of conversations about philosophy, literature and love.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.