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The Book of Sand and Shakespeare's Memory

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The Book of Sand and Shakespeare's Memory by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into hidden worlds, evoking distant sadness and mystery in readers. Borges' writing style is described as calm, quiet, yet unsettling and thought-provoking, taking readers on a journey through fantastical plots that pay homage to other literary giants like H.G. Wells and H.P. Lovecraft. The stories cover themes such as the perfect one-word poem, a book with no end, and the complexities of Shakespeare's memory, showcasing Borges' ability to captivate readers with brevity and clarity.

Characters:

The characters often embody Borges's introspections and are reflective of themes of solitude and existential inquiry.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by concise prose that conveys deep themes with vivid imagery.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot entails explorations of infinite literature, human experiences of aging, and the complexity of memory through intricate storytelling.

Setting:

The setting is often urban, mainly Buenos Aires, with occasional surreal and historical references that enhance the existential mood.

Pacing:

The pacing ranges from contemplative to momentarily tense, encouraging readers to reflect on the concepts presented.

Notes:

The Book of Sand features a story about an infinite book, emphasizing themes of infinity and the endless nature of literature.
Borges was in his eighties and increasingly blind when he wrote these stories, adding a layer of vulnerability to his work.
The stories in The Book of Sand are described as innovative yet more human compared to his earlier collections.
Borges' writing is praised for its brevity and clarity, demonstrating that powerful storytelling can be conveyed with few words.
Several stories in the collection reflect on topics like old age, solitude, and the acceptance of mortality.
Borges' prose is minimalist yet vivid, illustrating characters and scenes with startling economy.
There is a noted homage to H.P. Lovecraft in the story 'There Are More Things', showcasing Borges' influence from other writers.
The collection incorporates autobiographical elements and reflects Borges' philosophical musings on life and memory.
Readers are encouraged to engage and interpret the stories, emphasizing the active role of the reader in literature.
Borges believed that greatness lies both with the writers and their readers, highlighting a collaborative relationship.

From The Publisher:

One of the most remarkable artists of our age.' MARIO VARGAS LLOSA THE BOOK OF SAND was the last of Borges' major collections to be published. The stories are, in his words, 'variations on favourite themes... combining a plain and at times almost colloquial style with a fantastic plot'. It includes such marvellous tales as 'The Congress', 'Undr' and 'The Mirror and the Mask'. Also included are the handful of stories written right at the end of Borges' life - 'August 25, 1983', 'Blue Tigers', 'The Rose of Paracelsus' and 'Shakespeare's Memory.

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About the Author:

Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) was an Argentine poet, essayist, and author of short stories. His most notable works as a key literary Spanish-language figure of the twentieth century include Ficciones (Fictions) and El Aleph (The Aleph). He received a BA from…

 
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