Blow-Up

In 'Blow-Up', Julio Cortázar presents a captivating exploration of reality versus perception through a series of surreal narratives. The protagonist grapples with the mysteries of existence as seemingly mundane events take on bizarre and profound meanings. Each story unveils a new layer of complexity, inviting readers to question their own understanding of truth. With its innovative structure and thought-provoking themes, Cortázar captivates the imagination, leaving readers pondering the thin line between dreams and reality. Prepare to be enthralled and challenged by a master of magical realism.

By Julio Cortázar

Published: 1985

""A single flick of the wrist can unravel the fabric of reality, revealing a world where each moment is both an echo and a divergence from the last.""

Blow-UpBook binding

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What Readers Say About This Book

A young girl spends her summer vacation in a country house where a tiger roams . . . A man reading a mystery finds out too late that he is the murderer’s intended victim . . . Originally published in hardcover as End of the Game and Other Stories, the fifteen stories collected here—including “Blow-Up,” which was the basis for Michelangelo Antonioni’s film of the same name—shows Julio Cortázar's nimble capacity to explore the shadowy realm where the everyday meets the mysterious, perhaps even the terrible.

About the Author

J

Julio Cortázar

Julio Cortázar (1914-1984) was an Argentine writer and a key figure in Latin American literature. Renowned for his innovative narrative techniques and a deep exploration of existential themes, Cortázar's works often blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy. His most notable works include 'Hopscotch' ('Rayuela'), a groundbreaking novel that invites readers to choose their own path through the narrative, and 'Blow-Up and Other Stories' ('Final del juego'), a collection of short stories that showcase his unique stylistic approach. Cortázar's writing is characterized by its playful structure, surreal elements, and a profound philosophical inquiry into the nature of time and identity, making him a pivotal influence in the Latin American literary boom.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Julio Cortázar
Published
February 1985
Publisher
Pantheon
ISBN
0394728815
Language
English
Pages
288
Genres
FictionLiteratureMagical Realism

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"A single flick of the wrist can unravel the fabric of reality, revealing a world where each moment is both an echo and a divergence from the last."

Blow-Up

By Julio Cortázar