The Aleph
Jorge Luis Borges · 1899–1986 · Argentina
Originally El Aleph (Spanish)
Why it matters
A point in a Buenos Aires basement containing every other point in the universe, plus immortals, minotaurs, and theologians. Borges's second great collection; the metaphysical sublime with an Argentine shrug.
At a glance
short story collectionphilosophical novelpostmodern
Difficulty 7/10slow pace150 pagesCompressed metaphysical conceits and erudite allusion require slow, attentive reading.
Where to go next
Jorge Luis Borges · 1935A Universal History of InfamyLvl 5Fast paced
Jorge Luis Borges · 1944FiccionesLvl 7Slow burn
Jorge Luis Borges · 1975The Book of SandLvl 6Fast paced
Julio Cortázar · 1959Blow-Up and Other StoriesLvl 6Medium pace
Silvina Ocampo · 1959Thus Were Their FacesLvl 5Fast paced
Adolfo Bioy Casares · 1940The Invention of MorelLvl 5Fast paced