The Names of the Things That Were There

A collection of the best short stories by the author of the unforgettable novel The Postman.

Each of the stories in this book is an extraordinary piece of literature. Love, youth, desire, and freedom, coupled with versatile prose, sensitivity, and a subtle irony that sometimes morphs into dark humor, confirm Antonio Skármeta’s position as one of the greatest storytellers in contemporary literature.

Juan Villoro has selected and written a prologue for this collection, originally published in five books that influenced an entire generation of writers and brought about a renewal of Latin American prose.


Genre: Literary Fiction

"Stories as if written by an angel, but an angel full of earthiness and sex." - Ariel Dorfman

"Antonio Skarmeta is a fierce, tender, graceful genius. His stories enrapture, seize the soul, and shake it awake. Full of surprises and perfectly placed revelations that feel like 'an angel's introduction,' his stories unravel exquisitely. Skarmeta is a master of narrative, and his work is essential to any reader." - Jennifer Maritza McCauley

"A pulsating collection. With his sharp prose and vivid characterization, Skarmeta captures an electricity and longing that captivates the reader from the very first page." - Melissa Rivero