by Felipe
Benítez Reyes
Translated
from the Spanish by Aaron Zaritzky
A Lannan
Translations Series Selection
The writing of Felipe
Benítez Reyes, a significant contributor to the Spanish
Postmodern esthetic, speaks to issues of voice, persona, and the
possibilities of fiction. Probable Lives won the 1996
National Book Award in Spain, the 1996 National Critics' Award
in Spain, and the City of Melilla International Prize. A book
of heteronyms, the character-poets in Probable Lives read
as forgotten or unknown 20th Century authors, all "rediscovered"
and compiled by an anthologist who is also the creation of Reyes.
Probable Lives tweaks the notion of identity in ways
that are both engaging and downright funny.
Street
Girl and the Old Man
by Ángel Ruiz del Valle
After a painting by Agustín Ubeda
A Greek gentleman, in mourning, and a lady.
Sinning, he looks at her. The play of mirrors
makes him think there are other naked
ladies, in the bed, flirting with him.
In front of the old bed with gaudy bedspread
the inquisitive hidalgo, dying,
examines, measures the poor girl,
his beautiful constant, pinkish and fair.
The pubis, a miniature curly fan,
enchants him. (She stares at the ceiling,
fearing she’s late for her date with the priest)
At last the gentleman, his honor wounded,
crashes into bed with impossible ardor.
The beauty sighs and turns off the light.
English language translation copyright © 2006 by Aaron Zaritzky
Available editions:
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Cloth
ISBN: 978-1-929918-80-5
Price: $22.95
Publishing Date: July 2006
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-929918-81-2
Price: $16.50
Publishing Date: July 2006
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