Things We Lost in the Fire

Things We Lost in the Fire is a collection of twelve short stories originally published in Spanish by Argentine writer Mariana Enriquez and translated to English by Megan McDowell in 2017. The stories take place in contemporary Argentina, set against backdrops ranging from urban Buenos Aires to remote rural locations. Each narrative incorporates elements of horror and the supernatural while addressing real social issues including poverty, addiction, violence against women, and economic inequality. The collection features a diverse cast of characters navigating both everyday struggles and extraordinary circumstances in modern Latin America. The stories blend genre elements of horror, gothic fiction, and magical realism with stark depictions of Argentine society and culture. Several pieces from the collection, including "Spiderweb" and "The Intoxicated Years," were published in prestigious literary magazines like The New Yorker and Granta. Through its mix of supernatural horror and social commentary, the collection examines how past traumas and current societal problems haunt both individuals and communities in contemporary Argentina. The stories raise questions about memory, justice, and the relationship between political realities and psychological states.

Readers describe this collection as dark, unsettling horror stories that reflect Argentina's social and political realities. Many note the blend of supernatural elements with commentary on poverty, violence, and inequality. Readers appreciate: - Raw, unflinching portrayal of urban life - Strong female characters - Cultural specificity and sense of place - Balance of psychological and supernatural horror Common criticisms: - Some stories feel incomplete or end abruptly - Uneven quality across the collection - Violence and gore can be excessive - Cultural references can be difficult for non-Argentine readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Like Shirley Jackson set in Buenos Aires" - Goodreads review "The stories stay with you long after reading" - Amazon review "Too much shock value without enough substance" - LibraryThing review "Perfect mix of social commentary and horror" - StoryGraph review

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado The collection blends horror, feminism, and queerness through stories that examine women's bodies and experiences in ways that merge supernatural elements with social critique.

Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales by Yoko Ogawa These interconnected stories set in Japan weave terror and unease through mundane settings while exploring themes of isolation and human darkness.

Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Stories combine social commentary with elements of horror and dystopia to examine racism, capitalism, and violence in contemporary society.

The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez This collection continues Enriquez's exploration of Argentine society through horror-tinged stories that merge supernatural elements with social issues.

The Secret History of Las Vegas by Chris Abani The novel combines noir elements with magical realism to explore state violence and social injustice through the lens of marginalized characters in the American Southwest.

🔥 The collection was published in Spanish in 2016 under the original title "Las cosas que perdimos en el fuego" and became an international sensation after its 2017 English translation. 🏆 Mariana Enriquez works as the deputy editor of Argentina's Página/12 newspaper's arts and culture section while crafting her acclaimed fiction. 📚 The book draws inspiration from Argentina's "Dirty War" (1976-1983), during which thousands of citizens disappeared under the military dictatorship. 🌟 Translator Megan McDowell, who brought this work to English readers, has won multiple awards including the 2020 National Book Award for Translated Literature (for a different work). 🎭 The title story "Things We Lost in the Fire" was inspired by real cases of domestic violence in Argentina and reimagines women's response through a dark, empowering ritual.