Manuel Puig

Manuel Puig was an Argentine author known for his novels that blend psychological insight with an interest in pop culture. He is best known for his novel 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' ('El beso de la mujer araña'), which has been adapted into a film and a Broadway musical. His work often deals with themes of love, sexuality, and the oppressive conditions of life in Argentina under the military dictatorship.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Kiss of the Spider Woman

    "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a novel set in an Argentine prison where two cellmates, a gay window dresser and a political revolutionary, share stories to pass the time. The window dresser recounts various films he's seen, which often involve strong, glamorous women, while the revolutionary shares his political ideologies. As they spend time together, they form an unlikely bond, exploring themes of sexuality, oppression, and the power of storytelling.

  2. 2. Heartbreak Tango

    "Heartbreak Tango" is a tragicomedy that explores the intertwined lives of the inhabitants of a small town in Argentina. The narrative revolves around the life and death of a charismatic but flawed young man, Juan Carlos, who has relationships with multiple women, each of whom remember him differently. The story is told through a series of letters, diary entries, police reports, and gossip, presenting a multifaceted view of Juan Carlos and the impact he had on those around him. The novel also critiques the shallowness and hypocrisy of society, particularly in its treatment of women.

  3. 3. Betrayed by Rita Hayworth

    The novel explores the life of a young boy growing up in a small town in Argentina during the 1930s and 1940s. It is a coming-of-age story that uses a unique narrative structure, incorporating a mix of dialogues, inner thoughts, and film scripts to depict the protagonist's life. The boy's obsession with Hollywood films and glamorous actresses, particularly Rita Hayworth, serves as an escape from his oppressive environment and shapes his understanding of the world. The book also delves into themes of sexuality, identity, and the impact of popular culture.