Ficciones

by Jorge Luis Borges
Ficciones cover
Good Books rating 2.88
Short Story Collections
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Paperback • £12.99–£22.99 Hardback • £15.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5651
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780802190734
  • Publisher: Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
  • Published: 2015-05-12
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Ficciones is a masterful collection of seventeen short stories by Jorge Luis Borges, showcasing his unparalleled imagination and literary genius. Each story is a journey into surreal and resonant realms, exploring themes of infinity, identity, and the nature of reality. Borges's precise and evocative prose serves as both the means and the object of his art, crafting a world that is both terrifying and captivating. /n/nThe stories in Ficciones are accompanied by Borges's insightful Prologues, which provide a passageway into his intricate mind. These brief elucidations mirror the precision and potency of his intellect, offering readers a deeper understanding of his skeptical, ironic, and fantastical explorations. To enter the worlds of Ficciones is to enter the mind of one of the greatest writers of all time, where heaven, hell, and everything in between coexist.

Reviews
Reddit - Books · 2025-10-27
intriguing 3.50

The book reads like a philosophical work, with winding sentences and elusive ideas. It's a challenging read that requires patience and an open mind.

The Reddit user found Ficciones to be a deeply philosophical and challenging read. They noted the complexity of Borges' prose, with sentences that weave through multiple ideas, making it a book that demands concentration. While they acknowledged the book's difficulty, they also appreciated its depth and the way it stimulates the imagination. The overall sentiment is one of intrigue and respect for Borges' literary prowess.

Quick quotes

    It reads like a philosophical book, and by that, I mean there are so many winding sentences that run on forever with hundreds of different elusive ideas.

    It's a challenging read that requires patience and an open mind.

    The book demands concentration.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer struggled to connect with the characters in this collection of short stories, finding them unlikable and difficult to empathize with, ultimately leading them to abandon the book halfway through.

The reviewer attempted to engage with this collection of short stories but found themselves unable to continue past the halfway point. The major characters in each story were particularly off-putting, making it challenging to form any emotional connection or empathy. This lack of engagement with the characters was the primary reason for the reviewer's decision to stop reading. The stories themselves may have had potential, but the unlikable nature of the characters overshadowed any positive aspects, leaving the reviewer with a negative impression overall.

Quick quotes

    I kind of hated all the major characters in every story

    I got about halfway through this collection of short stories and then gave up.

    had serious trouble empathizing with any of them.

complete-review.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer found the book depressing and the characters unlikable, leading to nightmares. Despite the fine writing, they couldn't connect with the story. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to pack a lot into a single sentence but found the collection disappointing overall. They suggested starting with an earlier collection for new readers.

The reviewer had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, they were compelled to finish it due to the fine writing and the audiobook reader. However, they found the characters depressing and unlikable, which even gave them nightmares. The reviewer felt that the book's plot was thin and the characters' moments were not enough to make them care about them. They also mentioned that the book's sequels paled in comparison to the original stories. Despite its shortcomings, the reviewer acknowledged the author's talent for packing a lot into a single sentence and exploring surprising subjects with an unflinching and affectionate curiosity. They suggested that new readers should start with an earlier collection, such as 'Love is not a Pie.'

Quick quotes

    The fine writing and audiobook reader compelled me to finish this. But for all the 'love the unloveable' vibe I got from it, for all of my really wanting to love this book, I just couldn't. The characters had interesting moments, but mostly I didn't like them, I felt sorry for them, and they depressed me.

    Damn, she's good.

    Disappointing, because her first collection of stories was so stunning and original.

Bookjotter · Bookjotter · 2018-10-15
profound 4.50

The stories are metaphysical, elaborate, and at times overwhelmingly enigmatic. They offer a profound literary experience.

Bookjotter described Ficciones as a collection of metaphysical and highly elaborate stories that can be overwhelming in their enigmatic nature. They appreciated the depth and complexity of Borges' writing, noting that the stories are not just entertaining but also thought-provoking. The reviewer found the book to be a profound literary experience, highlighting its ability to challenge and engage the reader. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for Borges' unique and intricate storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The epochal short stories in Ficciones are metaphysical, highly elaborate and, at times, almost overwhelmingly enigmatic

    It took every ounce of concentration to read and comprehend.

    A profound literary experience.

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