Literature

The Seamstress and the Wind combines a number of elements that, at first glance, might appear to make for a jumbled, undisciplined, and haphazard work. The brilliance of Aira's writing, however, is that he, like a literary alchemist, transmutes disparate components into something fantastical and rewarding. Mixing the mundane with the phantasmagorical, Aira's novels are richly engaging, for one is never sure upon which point the story is about to veer into the realm of the wholly unforeseen. The word predictable is one that ought never be employed to describe any aspect of Aira's fiction. The magnificent range in his work is no mere clever device, but instead reflects an unfettered imagination that allows for a story to freely evolve. The effect is disarming and seems refreshingly natural (perhaps in contrast to the abundance of forced narratives that abound elsewhere in contemporary literature). Contributing to the overall affluence of his writing are his reliably intriguing characters, seemingly average yet possessed by a charming singularity. The Seamstress and the Wind features characters the likes of which will not soon be forgotten (nor their entrances into the story).

César Aira is remarkably gifted, and his ability to seamlessly infuse his work with humor, fantasy, poignant observation, unrestrained style, and invigorating prose is truly amazing. Although each one of his books is entirely unlike its predecessor, they all seem to complement one another in a way that reinforces the prowess of his creativity. The more Aira that I read, the more easily I am convinced that he is one of the most talented, original, and important writers at work today. Though few of his books are even as long as 150 pages, they leave the reader bewitched long after the story has concluded.
Recommended by Jeremy, Powells.com

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