Don Segundo Sombra

Don Segundo Sombra (1926) is a first-person narrative by Ricardo Güiraldes. It narrates the process of formation of a young man, Fabio Cáceres, who seeks freedom in the pampas and in the gaucho world.
Fabio Cáceres will learn next to Don Segundo Sombra, a qualified teacher (always second and always in the shadow). Together with him he lives the daily chores of the gaucho, not missing the love and sentimental episodes.
Among the topics initially wielded against Don Segundo Sombra is his popular character, respect for the speech and customs of the gauchos. However, this work is not a localist portrait or a naïve exaltation of a social type.
The story is modern for its construction and rhythm and for its treatment of the characters. Also, for the juxtaposition of the scenes and for their description of the “epic” politics. The characters are involved in the conflicts of their time and at the same time, obey inner impulses that contrast with a deeper reality.
Don Segundo Sombra is the result of a long and thoughtful work. Güiraldes, in a letter to his friend and translator of his work, Valery Larbaud, explained the reasons:

“Between us, the completion of my book has cost me displeasure. Locked in my character that did not allow me to turn to it, but with great prudence, I have been restrained in my desire to perfect the expression and I have had to leave many things as they were, indigesting myself with all the possibilities of reform that remained inside. I would have redone each chapter, but I wanted to keep the tone of the character he writes. You will say if I did well.”

Don Segundo Sombra is the work that has contributed most to Ricardo Güiraldes occupying a preeminent place in Latin American literature.