The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires

The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires

Written by: Eric Stener Carlson
Published by: Tartarus Press
Pages Count: 233
ISBN: 978-1-905784-16-5
Where to buy: Tartarus Press (Limited to 300 copies.)

Publisher’s Comments:
Hidden away in the pages of an old copy of Lives of the Saints in a strange second-hand bookshop is a diary brimming with heresy and claims of supernatural powers. When civil servant Miguel Ibañez stumbles across it he at first believes it to be the ravings of a mad man. But what if it is true? What if the anonymous author has really learned the secrets of controlling time? Could Miguel acquire the same skills and thereby correct the incongruities in his own life?

Trapped in a mediocre job at a forgotten Ministry, his marriage falling apart, Miguel desperately searches for more hidden entries. He is led on an increasingly frantic chase through the bookstores, abandoned buildings and dark subways of Buenos Aires.

Miguel’s obsession brings him to the doors of the Saint Perpetuus Club, a secret society that holds the key to the salamanca, the cave where the Devil grants all wishes . . . for a price.

The deeper Miguel goes, the more he wonders whom he can trust. His wife, his friends, his old philosophy professor? Perhaps they are all members of the Club? Is Miguel willing to risk his life, even his immortal soul, to uncover the secrets of The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires?

The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires is a sewn hardback novel of 233 pages with silk ribbon marker, head and tailbands, and d/w. Limited to 300 copies.

About the Author:
Eric Stener Carlson (Minnesota, 1969) is the author of “The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires” (Tartarus Press, 2009), “The Pear Tree: Is Torture Ever Justified?” (Clarity Press, 2006) and “I Remember Julia: Voices of the Disappeared” (Temple University Press, 1996). His work has appeared in journals in the US, UK, Argentina and Spain.

Eric holds a BA in International Affairs from The American University, an MA in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. A former Fulbright scholar, Eric frequently lectures on issues of torture and human rights and is always happy to give talks to book clubs and universities.

Eric travels frequently but always returns to his small flat in Buenos Aires, and his heart will always and forever be in Argentina.

Hello Ghouls and Boils,

This evening I am thrilled to present another review of a Tartarus Press book! The last time I reviewed a book from this small press out of the UK, I waxed poetic for some time. This was not without merit. Those who know me personally know how I feel about this wonderful publisher. When someone talks to me about the wonder of of eBooks, I simply take one of Tartarus Press’s books from the shelf and place it in their hands. They quickly agree with me, there is just no replacement for something so magickal.The masterfully sewn binding, the beautiful silk ribbon bookmarks, the fine smooth paper, the wonderful aroma – they all help transport you to another place. It is not just the exterior features that make Tartarus Press books so miraculous. It is also the words these lovingly made books hold. I have never read anything released by this publisher that has disappointed me.

The book I am discussing tonight, The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires by Eric Stener Carlson, is no exception. It is not often that I get to review a book of this caliber. It is the dream of every reviewer to receive something as wonderful and magickal as this. I am now reading it for a second time, just for the sheer pleasure. To say it is a brilliant piece of literature is not enough… this book draws you in and takes you for a journey that never fails to surpise and leaves you with a feeling of awe. But I won’t tease you any longer, let us get to the review. Enjoy, my fiends!

Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert

When I cracked open this book I was expecting great things. As usual, Tartarus Press never disappoints. What I found was far more than greatness – it is a captivating tale, full of twists and turns, that I could not put down. Eloquently written and well researched, I was taken with the imagery of Carlson’s fascinating novel. I have only experienced Buenos Aires through films and documentaries, but now I feel as if I have been there. I can clearly picture the city’s streets, subways, and buildings in my mind’s eyes. I can smell the fragrant air of the city and the musty odor of the old books stores. All I can say is, bravo Mr. Carlson!

This tale is about Miguel Ibañez – a civil servant who was not too happy with his life. A long time ago he dreamt of something better for himself. He wanted to finish his dissertation and become a Professor, but a case of life got in the way. Now he was in a failing marriage, working a desk job where he was barely noticed. He felt doomed and trapped. That is until one day, when wandering through a second-hand bookstore, he stumbled across a strange copy of Butler’s Lives of the Saints. This copy had a handwritten chapter about a Saint he had never heard of “Saint Perpetuus”. He wasn’t sure why, but he knew he must have the book. It contained part of the story of a self-proclaimed Saint – the Saint of time travel. He knew there must be other books like it and he had to find them. The books take him on an unexpected journey through the underbelly of Buenos Aires. Miguel’s obsession with the books overtake him – at the risk of losing his family and very possibly his own life. If only he could learn the secrets of Saint Perpetuus… maybe he could take his life back, but at what price?

Eric Stener Carlson’s love for Buenos Aires is evident in this amazing novel. He paints brilliant and crystal clear images of the vibrant city and its strange past. Reading his book made me want to learn more about the history of Argentina. That alone speaks volumes about the author’s storytelling prowess. I consider myself a bit of a movie/book detective. I can usually guess what’s coming next in most stories with little effort. Carlson’s The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires left me breathless and always kept me guessing.

Final Thoughts:
If there is one book you should spend your hard earned money on this year, you should make it The Saint Perpetuus Club of Buenos Aires. If you like Strange Tales, Mysteries, or Thrillers – or if you just enjoy an eloquently written piece of literature – you should not miss the opportunity to pick this book up. This is the finest book I have had the pleasure of reading this year. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It is a welcome addition to the Covert library. I cannot  wait for my husband to read it. As soon as I am able, I intend to get Mr. Carlson’s other books. Eric has kindly agreed to do an interview for SNS – keep an eye out for that, coming soon. Needless to say, I give this book a 5 out 5. (What the Hades, this is my website – I give it a 6 out of 5!)

Sarah L. Covert – Creator/Editor/Reviewer