A publisher travels to Buenos Aires to sign a contract with a writer known only as V. He is convinced that her debut novel is revolutionary, that it will reshape the landscape of science fiction and perhaps give birth to a new genre. He is, however, wholly unprepared for what awaits him.
In Nadie se salva, author Dylan Connell weaves a Murakami-esque tale that effortlessly blends magical realism and science fiction. We join the publisher in his pursuit of what he hopes will be a legacy-defining work through the alluring labyrinth of V’s Buenos Aires, encountering tango singers, cult leaders, and dreams that refuse to stay in their proper place. With each step, he sinks deeper into the mysteries at the center of V and her novel, ultimately facing a truth that may transform everything he thought he knew.
The Mask of Aphrodite—if nothing else—is a grand experiment.
The collection brings together fiction, poetry, and translations from Spanish and Attic Greek. In addition to the written word, The Mask of Aphrodite is accompanied by a full-length studio album. Tying these mixed media together are the common themes of love and heartbreak.
Through the many voices of this artwork, the myths and fantasies that shape our society’s understanding of amorous desire are examined. As the work progresses, the mask of love is slowly pulled back to reveal the face beneath. Of equal importance, projections are made about the future of love: How do social media, modern technology, and artificial intelligence affect infatuation and grieving?
The collection seeks to harmonize opposites. It combines classical style with contemporary inquiry, oscillating between deeply psychological narratives and passionate, image-rich music. In the end, The Mask of Aphrodite asks as many questions as it answers — and promises to leave the reader with a series of powerful emotions.