Adolfo Bioy Casares was a pivotal figure in Argentine literature, known for his unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. His collaborative works with Jorge Luis Borges introduced innovative themes and narrative styles. Although his initial writings were later dismissed by himself, his mature works remain influential and celebrated.

Early Life and Influences

Born into a wealthy family, Adolfo Bioy Casares was the son of Adolfo Bioy, a landowner, and Marta Casares. He divided his early years between the bustling city of Buenos Aires and the tranquility of the family ranch. As a child, Bioy Casares was fascinated by the night sky, photographs of the deceased, and mirrors, which he viewed as portals to an extraordinary world. Such experiences, coupled with his love for reading, enriched his imagination and fueled his penchant for the fantastical. Though he had a keen interest in mathematics during his high school years, the allure of writing proved irresistible.

Initial Forays into Literature

Bioy Casares's journey into literature began in 1928 with his first book, Vanidad: O, Una aventura terrorifica (Vanity, or a Terrifying Adventure), a fantastical thriller. His literary tastes were eclectic, encompassing nineteenth-century Spanish literature, the Bible, Dante, James Joyce, and renowned Argentine works. Despite a brief stint at the University of Argentina, dabbling in law and later philosophy and letters, he chose to return to manage his father's ranch without completing his degree. Comic strips and popular novelettes also captured his attention, showcasing his diverse interests.

A Lifelong Partnership with Borges

In 1932, Bioy Casares's life took a significant turn when he met Jorge Luis Borges. This meeting marked the beginning of a profound friendship and a lifelong collaborative journey. Together, they cultivated a fictional persona, "Biorges," under which they published various works using pseudonyms such as Honorio Bustos Domecq, B. Suárez Lynch, and B. Lynch Davis. Borges's mentorship guided Bioy Casares's reading habits, and authors like Franz Kafka, Robert Louis Stevenson, Joseph Conrad, Marcel Proust, and Henry James became substantial influences on his writing. In 1933, using a pseudonym, he released a collection of short stories titled Diecisiete disparos contra lo porvenir (Seventeen Shots at the Future), followed by La nueva tormenta (The New Storm) in 1935, which featured illustrations by Silvina Ocampo, whom he wed in 1940.

The Invention of Morel

Bioy Casares often dismissed his early works, claiming that his true literary career began in 1940 with the publication of The Invention of Morel. This novel became one of Argentina's most beloved literary classics and was pivotal in establishing his reputation. Awarded the Argentinian Municipal Prize in 1941, the novel is known for its surreal atmosphere, drawing comparisons to H. G. Wells's The Island of Dr. Moreau. The narrative eschews supernatural elements in favor of fantasy, embedding itself within the emerging science fiction genre in Argentina.

Return to Novels

After several collections of short stories, Bioy Casares made a notable return to novel writing in 1969 with Diary of the War of the Pig. This best-selling book marked a departure from his previous themes, delving into Argentine realities and existential musings on human destiny. The novel presents a grim scenario where aging is seen as undesirable, yet it hints at hope and love amidst the darkness. In 1973, he published Asleep in the Sun, earning him the prestigious Argentinian Society of Writers’ Prize. The novel revisited themes of fantasy, gothic elements, and pseudoscience, namely phrenology, contrasting with the darker irony of his earlier work by incorporating light humor and imaginative elements.

Literary Legacy

Critics have sometimes debated the complexity and ambiguity of Bioy Casares's plots, but his intricate humor is often highlighted as a significant strength. Adolfo Bioy Casares passed away in 1999, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for his 1940s and 1950s works. These writings were instrumental in experimenting with narrative voice and discourse, skillfully merging science fiction with fantasy and setting the stage for the Latin American "new narrative" of the 1970s.