The Woman from Uruguay

New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice—The unforgettable story of two would-be lovers over the course of a single day, from acclaimed Argentine author Pedro Mairal and Man Booker International–winning translator Jennifer Croft.

“Exquisite. . . . A searing tale of seduction and betrayal,both wryly comic and deeply serious.” —Sigrid Nunez, National Book Award–winning author of The Friend and It Will Come Back to You

Lucas Pereyra, an unemployed writer in his forties, embarks on a day trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo to pick up fifteen thousand dollars in cash. An advance due to him on his upcoming novel, the small fortune might mean the solution to his problems, most importantly the tension he has with his wife. While she spends her days at work and her nights out on the town—with a lover, perhaps, he doesn't know for sure—Lucas is stuck at home all day staring at the blank page, caring for his son Maiko and fantasizing about the one thing that keeps him going: the woman from Uruguay whom he met at a conference and has been longing to see ever since.

But that woman, Magalí Guerra Zabala, is a free spirit with her own relationship troubles, and the day they spend together in this beautiful city on the beach winds up being nothing like Lucas predicted. The constantly surprising, moving story of this dramatically transformative day in their lives, The Woman from Uruguay is both a gripping narrative and a tender, thought-provoking exploration of the nature of relationships. An international bestseller published in fourteen countries, it is the masterpiece of one of the most original voices in Latin American literature today.

“At once a picaresque comedy and a penetrating study of a man on the verge of middle age who is trying to deal with fatherhood, money, marriage and love. Lucas's vivid presence in this book is created by his rich way of observing the world.” ―Colm Tóibín, author of Brooklyn and Long Island

“A provocative, often darkly funny narration that strikes a clever balance between midlife-crisis story and noir.” ―New York Times Book Review