Patagonia Tales: Messages to the Rural Dwellers

By Jorge Piccini

"Patagonia Tales: Messages to the Rural Dwellers," edited by Jorge Piccini, embarks on a captivating literary journey, seamlessly weaving together the enchanting culture and traditions of Patagonia with the boundless creativity of its contributing authors and illustrators. This anthology serves as a collection of stories, each offering a unique window into the rural life, featuring awe-inspiring landscapes, endearing characters, and the everyday challenges they encounter. However, these narratives go beyond being mere glimpses into Patagonian life; they delve into universal themes, exploring aspects such as love, friendship, solitude, family, adventure, and mystery.

As you flip through the pages of this book, you'll be introduced to a compelling cast of characters whose relatable emotions and experiences resonate deeply. The vivid illustrations that accompany each story are carefully crafted to enhance and enrich the tales, immersing readers in the heart of Patagonia. What's more, the inclusion of QR codes and links to the original Spanish-language audiobooks for each story provides an interactive dimension to your reading experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the rich cultural tapestry of Argentina's rural life.

"Patagonia Tales" stands as a testament to the enduring importance of radio in the lives of rural communities, particularly within the Patagonian region. The stories within the anthology draw inspiration from the messages to rural dwellers broadcasted on Radio Nacional de la Patagonia, underlining the profound impact these messages have on isolated communities. Readers are cordially invited to embark on a thrilling exploration of vibrant Patagonian culture, where the harshness of the landscape harmoniously coexists with the warmth and solidarity of its people. This anthology is your immersive portal into the very heart and soul of Patagonia, offering a profound and evocative experience that allows you to feel the myriad sensations and emotions embedded in the region's storytelling and artistry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cervantes Digital
• Release date: Oct 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781304984630

Jorge Piccini

Jorge Piccini, Licenciado en diseño y fotógrafo por afición, vive y trabaja en la ciudad de San Carlos de Bariloche, Patagonia Argentina. Docente en el área de Diseño Gráfico en ciclo medio y terciario. Simultáneamente director, edición y contenidos de la Revista de Fotografía latinoamericana Bex Magazine. Ha expuesto, realizado ensayos, dictando charlas, talleres en Argentina, Chile y Ecuador. Su pasión por los libros lo llevó a dedicarse de lleno a la edición y diseño de libros de fotografía digitales e impresos, a la divulgación y realización de proyectos relacionados a la fotografía latinoamericana.

Book preview

Three Teeth,  Albertina Rahm

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Illustration: Alicia Pez

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The two women sit by the stove, the smoke seeping through the cracks. It doesn't seem to bother them. The mate gourd passes from one hand to the other. The aluminum kettle hisses, and on the stove, the fried cakes from yesterday are reheating. The leftover grease spills onto the iron, releasing tempting smoke.

Uberlinda pushes the protruding logs with the iron-shaped like an L, but she can't close the little door yet. She says she bought firewood from the Cárdenas (fifty firewood sticks to fit nicely in the stove) and that they are shameless. The sticks on top of the cart are from chacaí, they look good; below, they add large sticks and even load the mule with willow firewood.

—That's how people are, they'll take advantage of you wherever they can, says Rosalía, making the mate sound after the last sip.

—So you've finally left Bernabé! It was about time. There's no reason to put up with drunkenness and, on top of that, mistreatment. Look, Rosalía, you can stay at my house until you find something, maybe in the town, or at the ranch, they need a maid. But don't go back to him. I'll help you. But look at your eye! This time the son of a bitch went too far.

—Yes, the thing is, I couldn't stand it, and this time, I confronted him, I said everything, and that's when he got furious and beat me up.

—And what happened this time?

—I'll tell you; it turns out I found this paper, see, read it. It's his handwriting. He did it for the radio's social service. Uberlinda reads it aloud: A reward is given to anyone who found three false teeth yesterday. Please deliver them to Dr. Pires' office. Amegino 1076 before 2 PM today; their return will be rewarded.

—I don't understand, he lost his teeth, and...?

—I didn't even notice that he was missing his molars. It's been a while since I looked at that lamb-like face he puts on when he's trying to be nice. You see, he didn't give his name or address; he asks them to take the teeth to the dentist's place. He knows I heard that announcement and wondered who the hell had lost them.

—He must have been drunk...

—"For sure, that's why he couldn't remember where he had lost them. And that's when the fight started because, on the day after the announcement was broadcast on the radio, Raquel - one of the Pacheco sisters - came to my house to bring the teeth, and she had no better idea (to me, she did it on purpose) than to tell me that Bernabé had left them behind at her place on Saturday night. That lying bastard had told me he was going to a meeting about the castrones' issue. And he was at that bitch's house. Not only does he try to make me look stupid, he offers a reward when he never gives me a penny, not even for medicine. I told him everything, so he beat me

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up, more fiercely than the other times. I grabbed my few belongings and ran away. Where else could I go if I have no one? I came to your house because I know how you help people, especially after what happened to you."

—You did the right thing, Rosalía. I'll help you until you find a job, and if that coward dares to come here, you know how I'll chase him away. Calm down and have a fried cake.

Uberlinda takes the kitchen iron and pushes the log that has burned enough and closes the stove door.

Original audiobook 👈🎧

Something a Lot, Soledad Elifonso

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Illustration:  Mariangeles Incolla

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One January day, as the time to separate the castrated animals from the goat herd drew near, bad mood, worry, and the scent of goat milk rice filled the calm morning at Doña Isabel's ranch. The place was isolated from everything and everyone, surrounded by hills, coirones, jarilla, and