The ice rink

Published in 1993, this novella combines mystery, lyricism and social criticism, revealing many of the themes and structures that would characterise his later work.

The narrative is constructed from three voices: Gaspar Heredia, Remo Morán and Enric Rosquelles, men from different backgrounds and social positions who cross paths in a small Spanish coastal town.

Each has their own version of events, and the story emerges from this juxtaposition of perspectives. At its centre is a clandestine ice rink, built out of passion and desperation, which becomes a metaphor for the fragility of the boundaries between desire, power and ruin. At that threshold where "things" can start to go wrong.

The truth, if it exists, dissolves into its various versions. Sounds familiar, right?

Roberto Bolaño (1953–2003) was born in Chile and lived between Mexico and Spain. A poet before becoming a novelist, he was one of the most influential figures in contemporary Latin American literature. His work, which includes titles such as The Savage Detectives, 2666 and Chilean Nocturne, is distinguished by its blend of realism, irony and moral reflection.