Mac and His Problem

Enrique Vila-Matas' novel Mac and His Problem is a playful and funny diary that explores the power and pleasure of literature, shortlisted for the 2020 International Booker Prize. It is a masterpiece of metafiction and a testament to the power and playfulness of great literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Enrique Vila-Matas' latest novel, "Mac and His Problem," is widely considered to be his greatest work to date. The book is a playful and humorous exploration of the literary world, featuring a sixty-something man named Mac who is writing a diary that no one will ever read. Despite his wife's objections, Mac persists in his writing, documenting his daily walks through the neighborhood during the hottest summer in Barcelona in over a century. As he delves deeper into literature, Mac begins to notice strange literary overtones and becomes increasingly immersed in it, finding joy and pleasure in the process.

"Mac and His Problem" is a masterpiece of metafiction, showcasing Vila-Matas' intricate and erudite writing style. The book is both deeply comical and deeply poignant, allowing readers to surrender themselves to its masterfully crafted narrative. Vila-Matas' use of humor allows him to explore big ideas while relentlessly making fun of them, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

The novel has received critical acclaim from renowned authors and critics alike. Colm Tóibín, one of the best Spanish novelists, praised "Mac and His Problem" for its "playful and funny and among the best Spanish novelists." Paul Auster, another renowned author, described the book as "so deeply comical on the one hand, and so deeply poignant on the other, that you just have to give yourself up to it because you're in the hands of a master."

In conclusion, "Mac and His Problem" is a remarkable achievement by Enrique Vila-Matas. The novel is a playful and humorous exploration of the literary world, featuring a compelling protagonist and a masterfully crafted narrative. With its critical acclaim and widespread recognition, "Mac and His Problem" is a testament to Vila-Matas' talent as a writer and his ability to create works that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784708115