Well, it’s been awhile since my last post! Part of my time lately has been spent finishing books in my “to read” pile, and this one – “La tregua” by Uruguayan writer Mario Benedetti was up next. I am about halfway through and thoroughly enjoying it. A brief synopsis (don’t worry, no spoilers!):

“La tregua” is written in journal style, from the point of view of Martín Santomé. A widower on the brink of retirement, Martín has decided to keep a written account of his everyday experiences. He is unsure what his future holds; while he appears at ease in his office environment, he sees the ridiculousness in the nine-to-five. Although he lives with his children and at first appears close to them, we learn of the emotional distance and frustration he feels with his two sons. He has a sense of unease and feels jaded with life. Enter Laura Avellaneda, a new employee at his work. This individual will change his outlook and we follow Martín’s emotional ride as he moves from a fairly predictable existence to one full of questions and self-reflection.

I just found out that there are two movie adaptations of the novel. One was released in 1974 and was the first Argentine film to be nominated for an Academy Award. The second movie came out in 2003. I look forward to seeing how these two films live up to the writing.

Photo courtesy of the “Biblioblog” from Ajuntament de Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain: http://www.vilanova.cat/blog/joanoliva/?p=642