Dead Girls

Selva Almada's Not a River is a hybrid work that follows in the tradition of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood or John Hersey's Hiroshima, evoking the heat and dust of provincial Argentina and telling the stories of three young women murdered in the early 1980s. It is a brutal yet deeply important book that weaves these and other cases of violence against women into a clear-eyed, multi-faceted portrait that has global resonance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Charco Press

Internationally acclaimed author Selva Almada delves into the profound issue of gender violence in her remarkable work, Not a River. This hybrid masterpiece draws inspiration from the iconic literary works of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and John Hersey's Hiroshima. Through vivid and intimate firsthand accounts, Almada transports readers to the scorching heat and dust of provincial Argentina, unveiling its hidden secrets and complex web of loyalties. At the heart of this powerful narrative lies the tragic story of three young women who were brutally murdered in the early 1980s, a time when the country was reveling in its newfound democracy. These deaths, which remained unsolved and occurred long before the term "femicide" gained widespread recognition, are brought to life with searing detail by Almada. Nineteen-year-old Andrea Danne, stabbed in her own bed, fifteen-year-old María Luisa Quevedo, raped, strangled, and left in a desolate wasteland, and twenty-year-old Sarita Mundín, whose disfigured body washed up on a river bank, are just a few of the victims whose stories are intricately woven into the fabric of this book.

In Not a River, Almada skillfully weaves these and other cases of violence against women into a comprehensive and multi-faceted portrait that resonates on a global scale. This is not a mere police chronicle or a thriller, but a profound exploration of the human condition. Almada's writing is both hard-hitting and lyrical, blurring the lines between journalism and fiction. She challenges societal norms and sheds light on the systemic injustices that perpetuate gender-based violence. Through her powerful storytelling, Almada sparks a new path in journalistic fiction, offering a fresh perspective on this critical societal issue.

This book is a testament to Almada's talent as a writer and her commitment to social justice. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of gender violence and the urgent need for change. Not a River is a powerful reminder that the fight for equality and justice must continue, and that the voices of those who have been silenced must be heard.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916277847