The Argentina Reader

Book Review by: lazyintellectual

Original Authors: Gabriela Nouzeilles; Graciela Montaldo, Editors

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Buenos Aires, Argentina is one of the most flocked to cities in the world for the expatriate population both novice

and veteran. Aside from the favorable exchange rate against the dollar, pound and euro the climate is relatively moderate, the culture sophisticated and the people affable. Ah, but to realize the Argentine mindset is not so European as the architecture and side walk cafes suggest, nor that the country's strong Catholic roots lend itself to North American mantras in consumerism and the modern family tree soon becomes confusing.
This anthology of essays, poems, stories and historical commentary provides a thorough insite into why Argentina works the way it does. With one foot firmly planted in the first world and the other lazily dragged behind in the third world one easily becomes perplexed at the day to day life of the Argentine. The collection includes folk tales about the colonial settlers, the famous gauchos, why beef is still a flagship, and naturally essays both for and against the Peron royalty. Argentina is a country with a dark past and an always uncertain future which can not be connected simply by observing the people or listening to their stories. It is necessary to go back to the very beginning and The Argentina Reader is a complete and unoppressive hand to hold.

Published: July 11, 2007

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