"Collected Fiction" is a compilation of stories by a renowned author that takes readers on a journey through a world of philosophical paradoxes, intellectual humor, and fantastical realities. The book features a range of narratives, from complex, multi-layered tales of labyrinths and detective investigations, to metaphysical explorations of infinity and the nature of identity. It offers an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, past and present, and the self and the universe.

"Labyrinths" is a collection of short stories and essays that explore complex themes of infinity, parallel universes, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The narratives often feature protagonists who are scholars or librarians, trapped in surreal, metaphysical landscapes. The author's unique writing style combines elements of magical realism, philosophy, and detective fiction, creating an intricate web of narratives that challenge the reader's perception of reality and fiction.

This avant-garde novel invites readers into a non-linear narrative that can be read in two different orders, following the life of Horacio Oliveira, an Argentine intellectual living in Paris with his lover, La Maga. The story explores philosophical and metaphysical themes, delving into the nature of reality and the human condition, while also examining the struggles of intellectual and emotional life. The second part of the novel takes place in Buenos Aires, where Horacio returns after La Maga disappears, and where he grapples with his past, his identity, and his place in the world.

The book is a profound exploration of identity and the human condition, revolving around a man who is arrested upon his return to his home country, Switzerland, after spending time in America. Although he insists he is not the man, Stiller, that everyone believes him to be, his protests are ignored. The story unfolds as he writes in his prison cell, reflecting on his past life and relationships, and grappling with the question of who he truly is. It's a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional notions of selfhood and personal identity.

This novel is a first-person account of a young man who leaves his privileged life to enroll at a school for servants in Berlin. The protagonist's observations and experiences in the school, his interactions with the headmaster and other students, and his internal struggles and reflections form the crux of the story. The narrative, imbued with irony and dark humor, explores themes of power, submission, individuality, and the absurdity of societal norms and expectations.

This classic Argentine novel is a coming-of-age story set in the Pampas, focusing on the life of a young orphan who finds guidance and mentorship under the wing of a seasoned gaucho named Segundo Sombra. Through his experiences in the vast landscapes of rural Argentina, the protagonist learns the values of courage, responsibility, and freedom, embodying the gaucho spirit. The narrative, rich in poetic imagery and symbolism, explores themes of identity, tradition, and the passage into adulthood, offering a deep reflection on the essence of Argentine culture and the timeless bond between man and nature.

"The Discovery of Heaven" is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between mankind and the divine. The story revolves around two friends, an astronomer and a philologist, who are manipulated by heavenly forces to father a child who is destined to return the Ten Commandments to God. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into complex themes such as friendship, love, art, science, and the existence of God, presenting a thought-provoking analysis of the human condition.

"Belle du Seigneur" is a tragic love story set in the 1930s, revolving around a high-ranking Jewish official who works for the League of Nations and his passionate affair with a married Swiss aristocrat. The narrative delves deep into their intense relationship, exploring themes of obsession, self-destruction, and existential despair, all set against the backdrop of the impending Second World War. The novel is also notable for its satirical portrayal of diplomatic life and its exploration of Jewish identity.

"Homo Faber" is a novel about a man named Walter Faber, a highly rational and logical Swiss engineer who believes strongly in technology and progress. His life is turned upside down when he survives a plane crash in the Mexican desert, falls in love with a young woman who turns out to be his daughter, and then loses her to a tragic death. This series of events forces him to question his faith in technology and confront the irrationality of life.

"Los Siete Locos" is a complex and dark novel set in the 1920s in Buenos Aires. The story revolves around a man who, disillusioned with his mundane life and the corruption he sees around him, becomes involved with a group of anarchists who plan to overthrow the government. The protagonist is drawn into a world of madness, conspiracy, and philosophical debate, as he grapples with his own sanity and the morality of his actions. The book explores themes of existentialism, societal decay, and the blurred line between sanity and insanity.

The book in question is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a painter who becomes obsessively infatuated with a woman he barely knows. His unrequited love and spiraling madness lead him down a dark path of existential angst, culminating in a shocking act of violence. The narrative unfolds through the artist's perspective, as he reflects on his actions and the alienation he feels from society, revealing the depths of his troubled psyche and his struggle to find meaning in an indifferent world.

"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.

The novel follows the adventures of an eccentric, violent, and mentally unstable protagonist who is released from an asylum by his psychiatrist. The pair embark on a chaotic journey across Europe and America, encountering a variety of strange and often dangerous situations. The narrative explores themes of insanity, violence, and the human condition, offering a dark and surreal critique of modern society.

"All Souls' Day" is a novel about a Dutch documentary filmmaker, who, after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, moves to Berlin to escape his grief. The protagonist becomes entangled in a series of romantic relationships while struggling to come to terms with his loss. The book blends narrative with philosophical musings on memory, loss, and the nature of time, using the city of Berlin as a backdrop to illustrate the protagonist's internal journey.

This book is a gripping crime story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the limitations of the justice system. It follows the journey of a retired police detective who becomes obsessed with solving the murder of a young girl, promising the victim's parents to find the perpetrator. As he delves deeper into the investigation, his methods become increasingly unconventional, straying from standard police procedure and relying instead on a meticulously crafted plan to catch the killer. The narrative challenges the conventional detective story format, exploring themes of obsession, the unpredictability of life, and the moral ambiguities of justice, ultimately questioning whether the ends justify the means in the pursuit of truth.

The book is a narrative about an elderly man who, isolated in his home during a rainstorm in the Swiss Alps, reflects on his life, mortality, and the human condition. The protagonist spends his time reading encyclopedic entries and clipping them to his wall, creating a mosaic of human knowledge and history. The narrative is interspersed with these entries, presenting a blend of fiction and non-fiction, and exploring themes of memory, time, and the fleeting nature of human existence.

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.

"Los lanzallamas" is a novel set in Buenos Aires in the 1920s, revolving around the lives of a group of characters who are marginalized by society. The protagonist, a failed inventor turned anarchist, is manipulated into participating in a plot to overthrow the government and establish a new social order. The plot fails, leading to tragic consequences for the characters involved. The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the struggle for individual freedom in a repressive society.

"Forever a Stranger" is a historical novel set in the 19th-century Dutch East Indies, now known as Indonesia. It tells the story of Rudolf, a half-Dutch, half-Javanese boy, who is raised by his Dutch father after his Javanese mother's death. Throughout his life, Rudolf grapples with his mixed heritage and struggles to find a sense of belonging, experiencing the harsh realities of colonialism and the cultural divide between the Dutch and the Javanese. The narrative provides a critical examination of colonialism and its impact on identity, culture, and society.

"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.

"Return to Oegstgeest" is a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores the author's childhood and adolescence in the small Dutch town of Oegstgeest during the pre and post-World War II era. The book delves into the author's troubled relationship with his stern, religious parents, his struggles with faith, and his burgeoning artistic and sexual awakening. The narrative is a poignant exploration of memory, family, and the experiences that shape one's identity.

This book is a crime novel set in Switzerland, where a police lieutenant is tasked with solving the murder of his former colleague. The narrative explores themes of justice, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The lieutenant, despite being terminally ill, is determined to solve the case and in the process, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that forces him to question his own morality and the nature of justice. The story is a philosophical examination of the criminal justice system and the moral dilemmas faced by those who enforce the law.

This novel explores the life of a young boy named Nol Rieske, who falls in love with the daughter of a bandmaster in a small Dutch town. As he grows older, he becomes a successful musician, but his obsession with the bandmaster's daughter, who is mentally ill, continues to dominate his life. The story is a detailed exploration of a man's lifelong infatuation and its profound impact on his personal and professional life.

"The Forbidden Kingdom" is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the stories of two men, a 20th century sailor and 16th century Portuguese poet, Luis Camões. The narrative alternates between the two, exploring the sailor's obsession with the poet's life and the poet's experiences in the East, including his journey to Macao. The book delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the clash of Eastern and Western cultures.

"Dreamtigers" is a collection of short stories, essays, and poems that delve into the realm of metaphysics, infinity, mirrors, and changing identities. The book explores the author's fascination with the dream world and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. The narrative is filled with complex themes, paradoxes, and illusions, often inspired by the author's own experiences and his love for literature and philosophy.