Buenos Aires is home to one of the largest number of bookstores per capita in the world (Malba Press)
Buenos Aires It is a city that breathes literature. According to a report by the New York Timesits residents pride themselves on the large number of independent bookstores and publishers that enrich the cultural life of the city. Samanta Schweblina renowned Argentine author, offers an essential guide to discovering the most outstanding literary corners of this vibrant metropolis.
In his article published by the NOWhighlights that Buenos Aires has “one of the largest number of bookstores per capita in the world” and that even in times of economic crisis, Argentina has more than 200 independent publishersThis, according to Schweblin, denotes “arrogance” and “a city trying to understand its past and future.”
Even in times of economic crisis, Argentina has more than 200 independent publishers (Illustrative Image Infobae)
For a visitor who wants to quickly soak up the literary spirit of Buenos Aires, Schweblin recommends starting the trip with a series of short texts while flying towards the city. According to his article, “in the time it takes to read a novel, you can read five stories.” Suggestions include “The Slaughterhouse,” by Esteban Echeverria; “The Aleph”, by Jorge Luis Borges; “House Taken Over” by Julio Cortazar and “The Country of Smoke”, by Sarah Gallardo.
Samanta Schweblin recommends “El Aleph” and other iconic works to understand Argentine literature
For those interested in exploring different facets of the city through literature, Schweblin suggests “The Optic Nerve” by Maria Gainza as an essential guide for lovers of art and Buenos Aires neighborhoods. Schweblin explains that “it is a good guide for any visitor who wants to wander through neighborhoods and art museums.” On the other hand, “The Ghosts” of Cesar Aira offers a look at the different social strata of the city, a writer with more than 100 publications to his credit.
The authors who resonate most today are Mariana Enriquez, Gabriela Cabezon Camera y Almada Forest. According to Schweblin, these writers share “a furious determination to rethink history and a courageous determination to name what has been silenced.” Schweblin also emphasizes that recent Argentine literature is in a state of “divine boiling”recovering lost lexicons and exploring new identities and genres.
Mariana Enriquez, Gabriela Cabezón Cámara and Selva Almada are redefining contemporary Argentine literature (Camila Flores Cantino)
For those who do not have time to make daytime excursions, Samanta Schweblin suggests literary trips through the interior of Argentina through the chronicles of There is Uhart in “Seen and heard” and the stories of Federico Falco in “A Perfect Cemetery.” According to the New York Timesthese works are “small jewels destined to be savoured slowly”.
The city also offers multiple options for quiet reading. According to Samanta Schweblin’s article in The New York Times“the botanical garden is an oasis where you can read in peace in the middle of the city.” Visitors are encouraged to explore the Buenos Aires café culturewhere it is not frowned upon to order just a cortado and spend hours reading. The article also highlights that Buenos Aires has a nightlife literary vibrant with events and readings in various spaces.
He New York Times It also highlights some of the city’s most iconic bookstores. The Athenaeummentioned as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and the Avila Bookstorethe oldest, founded in 1785. Eternal Cadence In Palermo is another favorite, known for its reading corners and unique curatorial vision.
Julio Cortázar’s stories are perfect for listening to audiobooks
For audiobook fans, Schweblin recommends “The Invention of Morel” by Adolfo Bioy Casaresa work that has inspired science fiction series and films. In addition, he suggests not missing the experience of listening to the voice of Julio Cortazar in the album “Cortázar reads Cortázar”, a perfect immersion in the literary magic of Buenos Aires.
- The Slaughterhouse, Esteban Echeverria
- The Aleph, Jorge Luis Borges
- House taken, Julio Cortazar
- The country of smoke, Sarah Gallardo
- Earlier today, Pedro Mairal
- The optic nerve, Maria Gainza
- The ghosts, Cesar Aira
- Moral sciences, Martin Kohan
- The dangers of smoking in bed, Mariana Enriquez
- The Adventures of China Iron, Gabriela Cabezon Camera
- The wind that sweeps awayAlmada Forest
- Seen and heard, There is Uhart
- A perfect cemetery, Federico Falco
- The bad ones, Camila Sosa Villada
- Exist y Nest in the bones, Anthony of Benedict
- The stepson, Juan Jose Saer
- The invention of Morel, Adolfo Bioy Casares
