César Aira’s unreal magic: how the eccentric author took over Latin American literature
He has published more than 100 novels, gives his work away, and his surrealist books have a massive cult following. Now Argentina’s favourite rule-breaker is tipped for the Nobel prize
A few years ago when Patti Smith played at a cultural festival in Denmark, she told the crowd that she was happy to be playing in the presence of one of her favourite authors. It was said she had only agreed to play the festival because the author, César Aira, would be in the audience. Aira, although celebrated in his home country, Argentina, was little known outside Latin America until he was discovered in 2002 by the Berlin-based literary agent Michael Gaeb, who was enchanted by his unconventional, surrealist books, which shift atmosphere, and even genre, from one page to another.
At first it proved difficult to sell Aira’s novels to a wider audience. “The fundamental problem when promoting César’s work is that the editor always asks: ‘What is the novel about?’” Gaeb told me. “And in the case of César, it’s not easy to answer that question.”
Continue reading...Date: |
Filter
-
How Extremist Settlers Took Over Israel
After 50 years of failure to stop violence and terrorism against Palestinians by Jewish ultranationalists, lawlessness has become the law.The New York Times - World - Israel -
How Big Dairy Took Over Your TikTok Feed—With Help From Uncle Sam
A vast constellation of celebrities, from Kelly Ripa to the McDonald’s mascot Grimace, have helped push dairy sales.Wired - Tech - Tiktok -
How Denver saved Murray, unleashed Jokic and took control against Minnesota
The NBA's top defense stymied the MVP and the defending champs ... until it didn't. Here's how Minnesota fell dangerously behind in one of this postseason's most intriguing chess matches.ESPN - Sports -
Indian authorities seize over $1 billion worth of illegal vote inducements, including drugs and cash, in country's elections
Yahoo News - World -
American doctors uncertain how they will leave Gaza: A day in their life
As the Israeli military fight against Hamas continues in the Gazan city of Rafah, thousands are being forced to evacuate and several U.S. citizens are still inside.ABC News - Top stories -
AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
May 10-16, 2024 As young Haitians are increasingly exposed to violence, the country is undergoing a wider push to dispel a long-standing taboo on mental health services teaching parents how to put a smile on their children’s faces. Family and ...ABC News - World -
U.S. military says trucks have started bringing aid into Gaza over American-constructed pier
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid began moving ashore into Gaza Friday using a temporary pier built by the United States, delivering desperately needed supplies to the besieged Palestinian enclave.NBC News - Top stories -
Slovakia's "Lone Wolf" Assassination Attempt: How Polarization Is Spilling Over Into Violence
The attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico throws a light on the growing polarization and vicious fighting between Europe’s populist politicians and their critics, exacerbated by the war dragging on in UkraineThe Wall Street Journal - World -
How Your Brand Can Win Over Gen Z With Marketing
They aren't the tech-obsessed teeny-boppers many of us remember. Gen Z is like nothing marketers have ever seen before.Inc. - Business -
'Frank Lloyd Wright's Southwestern Pennsylvania' Review: Vivid Unrealized Visions
An exhibition at Washington’s National Building Museum features sketches, animations and scale models of the architect’s ambitious plans for the region that is home to his best-known creation, Fallingwater.The Wall Street Journal - World
More from The Guardian
-
Helicopter carrying Iran’s president crashes in mountains, official says – Middle East live
Ebrahim Raisi was travelling in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province as bad weather hampers rescue efforts. Read more of our Israel-Gaza war coverage hereHere is a video of the Israeli war cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, threatening to resign if ...The Guardian - World -
UN humanitarian chief delivers ‘apocalyptic’ warning over Gaza aid
Emergency relief coordinator says famine looming with Israel’s Rafah offensive blocking vital aid routes. Israel-Gaza war – live updatesThe United Nations’ humanitarian chief has warned of “apocalyptic” consequences due to aid shortages in Gaza, ...The Guardian - World - United Nations -
Trump floats idea of three-term presidency at NRA convention
During a bombastic speech in Dallas, GOP frontrunner asks: ‘Are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term?’ . Donald Trump flirted with the idea of being president for three terms – a clear violation of the US constitution – during a ...The Guardian - World - Donald Trump -
Manchester City v West Ham: Premier League final day – live
Updates from the 4pm BST kick-off at the Etihad StadiumLive scoreboard | Guardiola’s plan to inspire playersFollow Arsenal v Everton live with Daniel HarrisKeep up to date with the rest of the action with our clockwatch“As a Liverpool fan, all I ...The Guardian - World - Premier League -
Two dead and five missing after boat collision near Budapest
Hungarian police called to scene of accident on shore of the River Danube near Verőce. Hungarian police say two people have died and five are missing following a boat collision on the Danube.. Hungarian police received a report late on Saturday ...The Guardian - World