Ribeyro's readers are relatively few, and widely scattered over Europe and the Americas, but what we lack in numbers we make up for in near-religious devotion to his work. One can return again and again to such apparently simple stories as "Por las azoteas", "Los otros", "La primera nevada", and many others included in this collection spanning more than forty years. Nothing really happens in Ribeyro's stories, and maybe that's why his stories are as effective on a first as on a third or even fourth reading. We read them, after all, not to see how the author wraps up a bizarre plot, but to let his stories--by turns nostalgic and ironic--work their magic on us. Reading a Ribeyro story, in short, is like listening to a piece of music that one loves: No matter how often we listen to it, it rarely fails to induce a change of mood, to transmit to us profound emotion.

Ribeyro is definitely one of the Spanish language all time great storytellers and this book is solid proof. His stories are concerned with the little man. The man that will never be famous, but at one moment must make a decision, vital to his existence. There is never a moment of boredom. This book has literature, entertainment galore and makes easy reading. An important book to have in your library. And you can take my word, since I am a pretty good short story writer myself! Rush and buy it!

An excellent collection of short stories. Ribeyro is the finest story teller in Latin America over the past 50 years. Once you have read one of his books you are hooked for life. The language is simple yet the stories are full of depth and irony.

Este libro reune los textos de uno de los mas grandes estilistas del cuentocorto latinoamericano. Con su penetracion sicologica y su deshinibicion para retratar al olvidado, al perdedor, al que siempre esta fuera de la historia.

Simple stories, but beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking. Unlike any other Latin American you might've read.

This book is filled with the most beautiful stories I have ever read, by any author, Latin American or not. The stories are simple, yet profound and will touch your very soul. This book is a terrific introduction to Ribeyro and should not be missed by anyone who enjoys as lovely, yet simple, story. (I am not related to the author!)