César Aira

César Aira is an Argentine writer and translator known for his prolific output and experimental style. He has published over a hundred short novels and is considered one of the most significant contemporary writers in Latin America.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Diccionario De Autores Latinoamericanos

    De Borges a Bolaño

    This book is a comprehensive reference guide that profiles a wide array of Latin American authors, offering insights into their lives, works, and contributions to literature. It serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the rich and diverse literary landscape of Latin America, highlighting both well-known and lesser-known writers. Through concise and informative entries, the book provides readers with a deeper appreciation of the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped the region's literary output.

    The 6703rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Ghosts

    The novel revolves around a family living in an unfinished luxury apartment building in Buenos Aires, where the father works as a night watchman. As they navigate their daily lives amidst the construction site, they encounter ghostly apparitions that only the family can see. The story delves into themes of class disparity, the supernatural, and the intersection of the mundane with the extraordinary, culminating in a haunting and thought-provoking narrative.

    The 8179th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Literary Conference

    The story revolves around a mad scientist and writer who attends a literary conference with a hidden agenda to clone a famous Mexican author as part of his grandiose plan for world domination. Amidst the backdrop of the conference, the protagonist's eccentric experiments and surreal encounters unfold, blending elements of science fiction, absurdity, and dark humor. The narrative weaves through bizarre twists and turns, ultimately exploring themes of creativity, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of life.

    The 8343rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Una Novela China

    El Ilustre Amante

    The story unfolds in a small town in Argentina, where a Chinese immigrant named Liu becomes embroiled in a series of surreal and unexpected events after a chance encounter with a local woman. As Liu navigates the complexities of his new life, the narrative delves into themes of cultural dislocation, identity, and the blending of reality with fantasy. The novel's whimsical and unpredictable plot is punctuated by moments of introspection and absurdity, reflecting the author's signature style of blending the mundane with the extraordinary.

    The 9712th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Birthday

    The book is a reflective and introspective narrative that delves into the author's thoughts and memories as he celebrates his fiftieth birthday. It weaves together elements of autobiography, fiction, and philosophical musings, exploring themes of time, identity, and the nature of existence. Through a series of vignettes and contemplations, the author examines his past, present, and future, offering a poignant and often whimsical meditation on the passage of life and the creative process.

    The 10983rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Cómo Me Hice Monja

    The novel follows the peculiar and surreal experiences of a young child named César, who navigates the complexities of childhood with a unique perspective. The narrative begins with an incident involving a traumatic encounter with ice cream, which sets off a series of bizarre and often darkly humorous events. Through César's eyes, the mundane world is transformed into a landscape of absurdity and existential reflection, blending reality with imagination. The story explores themes of identity, perception, and the blurred lines between childhood innocence and the adult world's harsh realities.

  7. 7. An Episode In The Life Of A Landscape Painter

    Set in the vast and untamed landscapes of 19th-century Argentina, the narrative follows the journey of a German painter, Johann Moritz Rugendas, who embarks on an expedition to capture the essence of the South American wilderness through his art. His quest for the perfect depiction of nature's raw beauty takes a dramatic turn when he suffers a severe accident, leaving him disfigured and in a state of existential crisis. As Rugendas grapples with his physical and emotional turmoil, he finds himself confronting the boundaries between art and reality, ultimately seeking redemption and understanding through his relentless pursuit of artistic truth.

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  8. 8. Prins

    None

    In a whimsical and surreal narrative, the story follows a writer who embarks on a peculiar journey to complete a novel he has been struggling with. As he navigates through a series of bizarre and fantastical events, he encounters a mysterious figure named Prins, who becomes both a muse and a source of existential reflection. The tale unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, while exploring themes of creativity, identity, and the elusive nature of inspiration.

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  9. 9. How I Became A Nun

    Set in the vibrant backdrop of Argentina, this surreal narrative unfolds through the eyes of a six-year-old child who grapples with the complexities of identity and perception. The protagonist's journey begins with an innocuous trip to an ice cream parlor, which spirals into a series of bizarre and tragicomic events. As the child navigates the blurred lines between reality and imagination, the story delves into themes of innocence, trauma, and the fluid nature of self, all while maintaining a whimsical and dreamlike tone that challenges conventional storytelling.

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  10. 10. The Miracle Cures Of Dr. Aira

    In this whimsical and surreal narrative, a quirky and somewhat bumbling doctor embarks on a peculiar journey through the streets of Buenos Aires, where he claims to possess the ability to perform miraculous cures. As he navigates through a series of bizarre and often humorous encounters, the doctor grapples with the boundaries between reality and illusion, questioning the nature of his own powers and the expectations of those around him. The story unfolds with a blend of philosophical musings and comedic elements, offering a unique exploration of the human desire for hope and the extraordinary in the mundane.

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  11. 11. Shantytown

    In a bustling, unnamed city, a series of interconnected lives unfold against the backdrop of a sprawling shantytown. The narrative follows Maxi, a young man with a heart as large as his towering physique, who becomes entangled in the lives of the marginalized inhabitants. As Maxi navigates the complexities of friendship, crime, and survival, the story delves into themes of social inequality and the human spirit's resilience. Through a blend of surrealism and stark realism, the tale captures the vibrant yet precarious existence of those living on the fringes of society, weaving a tapestry of hope, despair, and unexpected connections.

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  12. 12. Ema, The Captive

    Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Argentina, the narrative follows a young woman who is taken captive by indigenous tribes after a violent raid. As she navigates her new life among her captors, she experiences a profound transformation, adapting to the customs and rhythms of a world vastly different from her own. Her journey is one of survival and self-discovery, as she grapples with themes of identity, freedom, and the fluidity of cultural boundaries. The story unfolds with a blend of surrealism and historical reflection, offering a poignant exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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  13. 13. Dinner

    In this surreal and darkly comedic tale, an ordinary evening meal spirals into a bizarre and unsettling adventure for the protagonist. As the night unfolds, the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, leading to encounters with the supernatural and the grotesque. The narrative explores themes of existential dread, the absurdity of life, and the unexpected twists of fate, all wrapped in a uniquely whimsical yet eerie atmosphere. With its unpredictable plot and vivid imagery, the story challenges the reader's perception of normalcy and the mundane.

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  14. 14. Artforum

    In this whimsical and introspective narrative, a man becomes obsessed with acquiring a specific issue of a renowned art magazine, which eludes him at every turn. As he embarks on a seemingly endless quest, the story unfolds with a blend of humor and philosophical musings, exploring themes of desire, the passage of time, and the nature of art itself. The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of surreal encounters and reflections, ultimately revealing the profound impact of seemingly trivial pursuits on one's life and the unexpected ways in which art can shape our experiences.

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  15. 15. The Musical Brain

    And Other Stories

    In this collection of surreal and whimsical short stories, readers are transported into a world where the boundaries of reality blur with the fantastical. Each tale is a vivid exploration of the human psyche, filled with unexpected twists and imaginative scenarios that challenge conventional storytelling. The narratives are infused with humor, philosophical musings, and a sense of wonder, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of creativity and the subconscious mind. Through a series of bizarre yet captivating vignettes, the book offers a unique lens on the interplay between art, memory, and the human experience.

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  16. 16. Yo Era Una Mujer Casada

    In this intriguing narrative, the protagonist navigates the complexities of identity and societal expectations as she reflects on her past life as a married woman. Through a series of introspective moments and encounters, she grapples with the constraints imposed by traditional roles and the liberation found in self-discovery. The story unfolds with a blend of surreal elements and poignant insights, capturing the essence of personal transformation and the quest for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

  17. 17. Un Episodio En La Vida Del Pintor Viajero

    Set in the 19th century, this novella follows the journey of a European painter who travels to the remote and untamed landscapes of Argentina. As he navigates the challenges of the wilderness and encounters the diverse inhabitants of the region, the painter becomes immersed in a world that is both foreign and captivating. The narrative explores themes of art, perception, and the intersection of different cultures, offering a vivid portrayal of the painter's transformative experiences in a land that defies his expectations and broadens his understanding of beauty and creativity.

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