Description
Two stories: The Little Hunchback and The Beasts
Book summary
This volume brings together two of the most representative narratives by Roberto Arlt, a fundamental author of 20th-century Argentine literature. In these pages, the reader will find a raw and uncompromising exploration of the darkest corners of the human condition. Through direct prose and a critical gaze, Arlt addresses social hypocrisy, violence, and bourgeois morality, offering an uncomfortable yet fascinating portrait of a society in crisis. It is a brief but intense work, ideal for those seeking a reading that challenges and provokes.
What is it about?
The book consists of two stories. In The Little Hunchback, the narrator, a man imprisoned for strangling Rigoletto, a hunchback, writes a confession that aims to justify his crime as an act of social hygiene. Through his account, perverse family relationships and the hunchback's malice are revealed, while the murderer attempts to rationalize his own moral depravity. The story is a plea against bourgeois hypocrisy and an exploration of madness and guilt. In The Beasts, the narrative delves into violence and primal instincts, completing a diptych that exposes the tensions and contradictions of the society of its time.
Main themes
- Critique of bourgeois morality and social hypocrisy.
- Violence as a response to injustice and perversity.
- Madness and guilt as mechanisms of moral justification.
- Dysfunctional family relationships and their influence on the individual.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in classic Argentine literature, particularly those who appreciate social protest narratives and raw realism. It is ideal for literature students, lovers of short stories with great thematic density, and followers of Roberto Arlt's work who desire an accessible edition of two of his most emblematic tales.
What this book offers
- A concise introduction to the work of Roberto Arlt, one of the greats of Spanish-language literature.
- A provocative reading that invites reflection on morality and society.
- Two complete stories in a short format, perfect for an intense and quick read.
Technical specifications
- Author: Arlt, Roberto
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: CLASSIC TEXTS
- Collection: NARRATIVE
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2025
- Number of pages: 52
- Weight: 170 g
Editorial review
This edition from Linkgua Ediciones recovers two essential stories by Roberto Arlt in a practical and accessible format. The selection is well-chosen for anyone wishing to delve into the author's narrative, characterized by his direct style and critical gaze. Despite its brevity, the work offers remarkable thematic density, making it a recommended read for those seeking classic texts with strong social and psychological content. A title that amply fulfills its purpose of presenting the best of Arlt in a few pages.