The Rainforest

Alicia Steimberg was born in 1933 in Buenos Aires, the descendant of Eastern European Jewish immigrants to Argentina. She received an advanced education and training in English and has worked for many years as a professional translator. Her own literature has a clear autobiographical component, and she has earned a reputation as one of Argentina's best contemporary writers. In 1992 she was awarded the prestigious Premio Planeta Biblioteca del Sur for her novel Cuando digo Magdalena, since translated into English and available in the Bison Books edition, Call Me Magdalena. Andrea G. Labinger is a professor of Spanish and the director of the honors program at the University of La Verne in Southern California. Her many translations include Alicia Steimberg's Call Me Magdalena and Carlos Cerda's An Empty House, also available in a Bison Books edition.

"a poetically written and beautifully translated perspective on personal happiness, solace, and mature love." Library Journal From Argentine novelist Steimberg, winner of her native country's Premio Planeta Biblioteca del Sur for Cuando digo Magdalena (Call Me Magdalena), comes a poetically written and beautifully translated perspective on personal happiness, solace, and mature love. Middle-aged Cecilia has got trouble on her mind-the devastation of her husband's death, the pain inflicted on her by her drug-addicted son, and her need to redefine herself. To assuage her anxiety, she meanders daily into the Brazilian rain forest abutting her hotel/spa, even though these walks could just as easily cause her injury. Then one day she meets a fellow spa patient named Steve, who hails from North America. As their relationship slowly develops, Cecilia comes to view life differently: when things are bad, they can still be good. Fortuitously, Cecilia is willing to risk everything with Steve. Recommended for all collections.-Sofia A. Tangalos, SUNY at Buffalo