Mouthful of Birds by Samanta Schweblin: a formidable short story collection

Why should you read this book?

If you’ve read my most anticipated releases of 2019 post, you know that Mouthful of Birds by Samanta Schweblin was on that list! This short story collection was originally published in Argentina in 2009 but Riverhead Books just translated it into English.

Last year, I read so many titles published by Riverhead and loved all of them. Publishing Mouthful of Birds attests the quality of this imprint – this book is phenomenal! Schweblin writes about the ordinary, about daily lives, about feelings, about violence. But not in a conventional way. Her short stories combine the absurd and surrealism, using several metaphors.

I googled this author and, apparently, Schweblin is one of the most interesting voices in Argentina, right now. And, I can understand why. I am not the best reader of short story collections. I can grow impatient. But I was never tired of these tales. Mouthful of Birds, The Heavy Suitcase of Benavides and Head Against Concrete were certainly my favorite. It’s also incredible how short Schweblin’s stories are and yet they have a plot, a meaning. They’re rich. And, that takes talent. That requires real skill.

I’d like to thank Riverhead Books for the free copy. You can buy it here.

Summary