Roberto Arlt

Roberto Arlt was an Argentine novelist whose work was characterized by its rawness, colloquialism, and surrealism, setting him apart from the prevailing middle-class literature of his time. A self-taught autodidact who worked a variety of odd jobs, his writing delves into the lives of marginalized characters pursuing bizarre quests within a landscape of urban chaos. His narratives often feature alienated, half-mad individuals in absurd situations, with his observations on everyday life in Buenos Aires maintaining a forthright and unpretentious style. Arlt's influence on Latin American literature is substantial, with his distinct voice resonating with contemporary authors who explore the darker facets of existence.