Writer Esther Allen joins us to discuss her translation of Antonio di Benedetto's Zama, an Argentine existential novel originally published 1956. We discuss the intricacies of translation, the author's repudiation of the idea of a historical novel, and Lucrecia Martel's 2017 film adaptation of the story. Listeners unfamiliar with the plot may want to read the book (and watch the movie) before tuning in. References: Burton PikeThe Man Without Qualities by Robert MusilJorge Luis BorgesJulio CortázarThe SilentiaryThe SuicidesCésar AiraRoberto BolañoThe Sound of MusicWerner HerzogAguirre, the Wrath of God"Sensini" by BolañoGuido BoggianiCanaan MorsePeach Blossom ParadiseWaiting for GodotSamuel BeckettDaisy RockwellBenjamin KunkelIn a Lonely Place"Benito Cereno" by Herman MelvilleJuan José SaerFederico FelliniRoberto Bolaño's Fiction: An Expanding Universe by Chris Andrews Find us on Twitter or Instagram.