César Aira (And Other Stories)

A journey through the plains of Patagonia sets the scene for this intriguing and innovative story.

Aira weaves a fantastical tale of a missing boy and the subsequent turn of events in Patagonia as both his mother (the seamstress), the wedding dress she is working on and his father set out on a surreal road trip to discover his whereabouts, uncovering a variety of bizarre goings-on.

The novel may be short in length but the rich storytelling eclipses any shortcomings from the prolific Argentinian writer. Having written around eighty novels, this is one of a few to be translated into English.

Providing a magical and fantastical story, at times the storyline becomes a perplexing account which is inevitably polished with clever and amusing twists.

Price: £7.99. Info: www.andotherstories.org

words RHIANON HOLLEY