The Neighborhood

If a writers' quarter existed without regard to the bounds of space and time, it would surely be inhabited by the senhores of Goncalo M. Tavares's playful imagination, of whom six reside in proximity here: Mr. Calvino, Mr. Valery, Mr. Juarroz, Mr. Kraus, Mr. Walser, and Mr. Henri.It is not lost on readers of literature and philosophy, of course, that these characters share the names of illustrious authors and thinkers. But their stories demand of the reader no prior knowledge; instead, Tavares employs riddles and word play to enlighten and surprise. Charmingly enhanced by Rachel Caiano's minimalist drawings, these vignettes reveal the authors' intellectual universe and personal points of view.