Title: Papers in the Wind
Author: Eduardo Sacheri
First published September 1, 2011
496 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781590516423 (ISBN10: 1590516427)
Rating: 4.17
Overview
In Papers in the Wind, Eduardo Sacheri tells the story of lifelong friends who are faced with a challenging task after the death of their friend, Mono. After Mono’s passing, his young daughter Guadalupe is left with nothing, and the three friends are determined to secure her future.
However, Mono’s investment in a soccer player turns out to be a failure, leaving them with no money to provide for Guadalupe. With their backs against the wall, the friends come up with harebrained and inspired strategies to recoup Mono’s investment.
The book is a heartwarming tribute to the power of friendship, love, and humor in overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Sacheri masterfully weaves together the lives of four distinct characters, showcasing that even in the midst of great differences, true solace and pride can be found in one another.
About the Author
Meet Eduardo Sacheri, an Argentine writer born in Buenos Aires in 1967. He is a licensed historian and works as a secondary and university professor.
Sacheri started writing football stories in the mid-1990s. His stories found a large audience thanks to Alejandro Apo, who featured them on his radio show “Todo con afecto,” which aired on Radio Continental.
Sacheri is a passionate supporter of the Club Atlético Independiente, and his stories reflect his great love for football in an engaging and friendly manner, demonstrating his perfect understanding of Argentina’s popular football culture.
Aside from several books of stories, Sacheri has written two novels. His first novel, La pregunta de sus ojos (2005), was adapted into a film by director Juan José Campanella, titled El secreto de sus ojos, which won numerous awards, including the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Campanella and Sacheri co-wrote the screenplay for the film.
Some of Sacheri’s stories have been published in print media in Argentina, Colombia, and Spain, and have been included in the Argentine Ministry of Education’s reading promotion campaigns.
His works are being translated into German, French, and other languages. Currently, Sacheri is working on adapting a story by Roberto Fontanarrosa for Juan José Campanella’s new animated film, Metegol.
His latest work, Papeles en el viento, was published in August 2011. In conclusion, Sacheri’s best quote: “Some say that football has nothing to do with a man’s life, with his most essential things.
I don’t know how much those people know about life. But I’m sure of one thing: THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL.”
His works include Esperándolo a Tito y otros cuentos de fútbol (2000), published in Spain as Los traidores y otros cuentos; Te conozco Mendizábal y otros cuentos (2001); Lo raro empezó después: cuentos de fútbol y otros relatos (2004); La pregunta de sus ojos (2005, novel); Un viejo que se pone de pie y otros cuentos (2007); Aráoz y la verdad (2008, novel); and Papeles en el viento (2011, novel).
Editoral Review
Eduardo Sacheri’s novel “Papers in the Wind” is a touching story that explores the power of friendship, family, and second chances. Sacheri is an Argentine author and screenwriter, known for his bestselling novel “The Secret in Their Eyes” which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning movie.
“Papers in the Wind” was first published on September 1, 2011, and has since garnered critical acclaim for its heartfelt portrayal of grief and its uplifting message of hope. Set in Buenos Aires, the novel follows the story of three lifelong friends; Memo, a struggling football fan, his brother Tano, and their friend Simon, who is mourning the loss of his wife and struggling to take care of his two daughters.
When Simon decides to sell his late wife’s apartment, the three friends embark on a journey to recover a long-lost talent of theirs, a young footballer who used to play alongside them, and who they believe has great potential. Through the ups and downs of their emotional journey to recover this talent, the three friends will rediscover the power of friendship, the importance of family, and the boundless hope that can be found even in the darkest of times.
Sacheri masterfully balances humor and tragedy throughout the novel, weaving in and out of the characters’ lives while revealing the interconnectedness of their struggles. The characters are all unique and fully fleshed out, each with their own strengths, flaws, and motivations that make them feel like real people.
One of the novel’s most significant strengths is its ability to address universal issues within a specific cultural context, providing insight into contemporary Argentine life while remaining relevant to readers worldwide. Through the main characters’ experiences, the novel explores themes such as grief, love, and resilience, which transcend cultural boundaries.
However, at times, the novel can be slow and overly descriptive, which may deter some readers. Additionally, while the character development is exceptional, the plot structure can be predictable at certain points, making the story feel formulaic.
Overall, “Papers in the Wind” is an uplifting and touching novel that offers insight into the complex and interconnected nature of human emotions. It is a beautiful tribute to the power of friendship, family, and hope in times of great adversity.
While it’s not perfect, Eduardo Sacheri’s strong writing and rich characterization make this novel an excellent read for anyone looking for a heartwarming story. I recommend this book to those interested in contemporary Argentine literature or anyone looking for a touching and inspiring story.
It is a must-read for those who value the power of friendship and hope in the face of grief. My rating for “Papers in the Wind” is an 8 out of 10, reflecting its exceptional writing, characterization, and themes, while acknowledging its predictability and slow pacing.
