Our Share of Night Summary
Our Share of Night is a haunting and surreal collection of short stories by Mariana Enriquez, one of Argentina's most renowned contemporary authors. The audiobook features a selection of tales that blend horror, fantasy, and social commentary to create a vivid and unsettling picture of modern Argentina.
The stories in Our Share of Night are set against the backdrop of a country still grappling with the legacy of its violent past, where poverty, corruption, and political turmoil are all too common. But Enriquez's writing also explores the dark corners of the human psyche, delving into themes of obsession, desire, and madness.
In "Under the Black Water," a group of teenagers sneak into an abandoned swimming pool, only to find themselves trapped by a malevolent force that preys on their fears and insecurities. In "No Flesh Over Our Bones," a woman becomes obsessed with a mysterious stranger who claims to have the power to heal the sick, leading her down a dangerous path of self-destruction.
Other stories in the collection explore themes of family, identity, and transformation. In "Adela's House," a young girl discovers a hidden room in her family's house, revealing a shocking secret about her ancestors. In "The Intoxicated Years," a woman looks back on her youth and the friendships and relationships that defined her, while grappling with the harsh realities of aging and mortality.
Enriquez's writing is lush and evocative, creating a sense of atmosphere and dread that permeates every page. Her characters are complex and nuanced, grappling with their own demons and desires as they navigate a world that is both beautiful and terrifying.
One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Dirty Kid," which follows a journalist who becomes obsessed with a young boy who lives in the slums of Buenos Aires. As she investigates his story, she uncovers a dark and twisted underworld of poverty, abuse, and exploitation, leading her to question her own motives and the ethics of her profession.
Enriquez's writing is not for the faint of heart. The stories in Our Share of Night are often gruesome and unsettling, exploring themes of violence and trauma in unflinching detail. But they are also deeply empathetic, giving voice to those who are often silenced or marginalized in society.
Overall, Our Share of Night is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of stories that showcases Mariana Enriquez's formidable talent as a writer. Equal parts horror, fantasy, and social commentary, this audiobook is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the dark corners of the human psyche.
