Author(s): Mario Levrero

Novel | Translated fiction | Uruguay | Fiction Reductions

An eccentric novelist decides to go back to basics on his journey of self- improvement: he will strip out the literary aspect of his writing and simply improve his handwriting. The novelist begins to keep a notebook of handwriting exercises, hoping that if he is able to improve his penmanship, his personal character will also improve. What begins as a mere physical exercise becomes involuntarily coloured by humorous reflections and tender anecdotes about living, writing, and the sense – and nonsense – of existence.

The first book by Mario Levrero to be translated into English, Empty Words is the perfect introduction to a major author and a significant point of reference in Latin American writing today.

Review: `I half-wondered if Empty Words was his shot at Thomas Bernhard; in particular, the Austrian's 1982 novel Concrete, about another sickly procrastinator blaming all and sundry for his inability to finish a book, although Levrero - at least on this evidence - feels the sunnier writer, relishing the mundane comedy of household dynamics as much as more cosmic jokes of existence. [...] As a calling card for Levrero's talent, it's certainly enticing.' Anthony Cummins, The Guardian ----`Levrero became a cult figure in his native Uruguay, and after reading this book it's easy to see why.' David Hebblethwaite, Splice Magazine ----`An eccentric, funny, and original novel: philosophical but playful, short but obsessive, ironic but desperate, and theoretical but intimate.' Dana Spiotta ----`A lighthearted wisdom beats in every sentence of Empty Words, a little masterpiece by Mario Levrero, who is, to me, one of the funniest and most influential writers of recent times. This book might change your life, or at least your handwriting.' Alejandro Zambra ----Praise for Mario Levrero: ----`We are all his children.' Alvaro Enrigue ----`Levrero is Kafka's `everyday' flip side, a shadow of Camus with a comical take.' El Pais ----`Style and imagination like Levrero's are rare in Spanish-language literature.' Antonio Munoz Molina ----`Mario Levrero is a genius.' Enrique Fogwill ----`Levrero is an author who challenges the canonical idea of Latin American literature. If you really want to complete the puzzle of our tradition, you must read him.' Juan Pablo Villalobos ----Granta ----`Mario Levrero is the great discovery of the century for Latin American literature.' Revista N

Author Biography: Mario Levrero was born in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1940 and died there in 2004. In his lifetime he wrote 12 novels and several short story collections and it was not long before he gained cult status amongst readers in Uruguay and Argentina, despite keeping a low profile. He has inspired Latin American writers such as Rodolfo Fogwill, Cesar Aira and Alejandro Zambra. In 2000 he was awarded the Guggenheim grant that allowed him to complete work on La novela luminosa (published posthumously).South