The Mad Toy

Discover the profound world of 'The Mad Toy,' a captivating novel by Roberto Arlt that invites you into the heart of early twentieth-century Buenos Aires. This captivating paperback edition, published by Hesperus Press, spans 160 pages and is an essential read for lovers of South American literature. The novel intricately portrays the struggles of youth through Silvio Astier, whose life of petty crime mirrors the alienation felt by many in a rapidly changing society. With rich realism and sharp humor, Arlt weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. His characters navigate the gritty streets, challenging societal norms, making this book a true reflection of urban life. The Mad Toy is not just a story of crime; it's a deep dive into the human experience, marked by Arlt's unique voice that combines anger and comedy. This pivotal work, first published in 1920, laid the groundwork for later Latin American literary giants like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, solidifying Arlt's status as one of Argentina's greatest writers. Perfect for those interested in classic literature, cultural history, or the evolution of modern narrative styles, this edition revives an often-overlooked masterpiece, making it ideal for book clubs, university courses, or personal libraries. Order 'The Mad Toy' today and explore the visceral reality crafted by a master storyteller.

Author: Roberto Arlt Publisher: Hesperus Press
Bind: paperback

Pages: 160
Publication Date: 26-05-2013

First published in 1920, The Mad Toy is set in Buenos Aires in the early twentieth century. Feeling the alienation of youth, Silvio Astier’s gang tours neighbourhoods, inflicting waves of petty crime, stealing from homes and shops until the police are forced to intervene. Drifting then from one career and subsequent crime to another, Silvio’s main difficulty is his own intelligence, with which he grapples.

Writing in the language of the streets and basing his writings in part on his own experience, with his characters wandering in a modern world, Arlt creates a book that combines realism, humour and anger with detective story.
Trailblazing for Boom writers who were to follow him such as Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, Roberto Arlt is rated as one of the greatest Argentinean writers. Although astronomically famous in South America, Roberto Arlt’s name is still relatively unknown in Anglophone circles, but the rising wave of appreciation of South American literature is bringing him to the fore.