Imagining Argentina

In the midst of its focus on disappearance, loss, and the splintering of Argentine society, Imagining Argentina presents a nuanced—and hopeful—concept of community. As news of Carlos’s gift spreads, a throng of petitioners flocks to his garden. These petitioners are united in grief and suffering, forming a community of citizens struggling to cope with the junta’s rule. As the novel progresses, the community grows stronger and bolder, paving the way for political and social change.

During the first session, Martín counts “young women, mothers, grandmothers, a few men, and three children” (42) amongst the crowd, a showing which only balloons as Carlos’s reputation spreads. Watching their assemblage from afar, Martín characterizes the crowd according to their many differences. Some, for instance, are “very poor,” while others park “Chevrolets, Renaults, Fiats, even a Mercedes” in front of Carlos’s home (41). Similarly, some live in Buenos Aires, taking the bus a short distance to Carlos’s door, while others commute from barrios on the edge of the city. 

In addition to these demographic differences, each person’s story carries its own distinction. As no one “[insists] on being heard before the others” (43), each attendee speaks one-at-a-time, offering an opportunity to spotlight their particular suffering.