Cronopios and Famas

This is a book of short stories, sketches, and poems by the great Argentinian writer, Julio Cortazar. A quick read, but not quick to forget. Humorous little anecdotes, touching little thoughts, bizarre situations brought about by bizarre characters.The first tiny section draws your attention to routines you probably perform every day, like climbing stairs, or combing your hair, while teaching you to be less thoughtless about them. Or maybe it suggests how there is no real thoughtlessness in anything, no boredom in acts or objects, but magic in everything. I'm not sure which.Then there is a brilliant, hilarious little series of sketches (can't really call them stories) about a family who likes to engage in "interesting occupations," rather than real work. They build a gallows in their garden, house a tiger in their living room, turn wakes into competitive events, etc. Much to the astounded outrage of their neighbors, who seem to want all this lead to something definite, rather than stop. In fact, it's the seemingly purposelessness of the occupations that get under their skin, not the doing of them.A short, but pointed series of superficial observations follows, the highlight of which concerns an individual whose imagination is so powerful as to divide the parts from the whole: by concentrating on ears, for example, the person vanishes and he sees just ears. A room full of people? A room full of floating pairs of ears. Just imagine what he does with digestive processes.And then the vaunted Cronopios and Famas (but what about the Esperanzas?), which are mostly allegorical sketches, or symbolic short stories. Cortazar has labelled certain types of people as belonging to one of these three groups (although it's far from sure what he's going by -- temperment? political inclination? social position?), and in the sketches he proceeds to relate what they're like, and more importantly, how they relate to each other, with every fictional act (apparently absurd act) symbolising a real world one, that likely involves lives and/or real livelihood. And of the course the reader is left to puzzle out the connections. Half the fun, right?This is a short read, and definitely lighter in tone than most of Cortazar's other works -- so maybe that is one of the reasons why it's so popular?But no, probably just because it's a really clever book and fun to read. I breezed through it in couple nights and loved every moment.My one complaint? Well, there's just not enough of it. Pricey for something you can digest in only a few hours.

I really enjoyed this book and although it is short, it is very interesting and a super quick read!I have made multiple attempts to read his book "Hopscotch" and have never fully read it unfortunately. I decided it was time to read another book of his and the description of "Cronopios and Famas" sounded really cool. I'm so glad I read it because now I cannot wait to delve into "Hopscotch" again!Julio Cortazar is an amazing writer and a must for anyone interested in latin american fiction or fiction in general!!

Cortazar is one of the most amazing authors I have ever read. His books have a brilliance to them that is hard to explain. He is an absolute master at evoking some feeling in one moment, then bringing out another in the next. This is one of those works. This may well be the funniest books I've ever read. It is packed with humor that ranges from amusing descriptions in "The Instruction Manual" to seriously funny sketches in "Cronopios and Famas." Meanwhile, the text is infused at some points with a sense of wistfulness and light melancholy. But what really sticks with the reader is the sense of awe he evokes, and above all else, a wonder seen in few other works.

I had a Cronopios y Famas from the 60 but someone took it away.Córtazar is one of the best argentinian writers,and to put all the pieces together is reading all what he wrote.Rayuela that is 50 years old appeared as a tornado leavin the name of Cortazar as one of the best writers during the first boom.

I love the original in Spanish and wanted it translated to English for a friend.

Great book!

I've read this book in Spanish, the original language, and I'm in love with Julio Cortazar. I looked for the english version everywhere to share it with some international friends, its been worth it.

This may be the only book I ever put down halfway through and quit reading. It was like a huge non-sequitor poem with little vignettes that did not relate or define anything. I am feeling guilt about quitting and may one day build bravery and try again, or not.

the book was perfect condition as claimed in the item description and fast delivery. very happy with the service i received

Could not get my head around this, may try again if i've nothing to read....and i mean nothing.