I would have to say that this ‘first fruit’ is more Bioy-Casares than Borges. Borges generally does not concern himself with so much dialogue, and this style of writing doesn’t resemble any of his other solo works. Having said this, I really didn’t care much for Bioy’s direction or the palpable absence of Borges‘ contribution.
The first story, being the first of the six ‘problems’, was all dialogue, and boring. The others, though not quite as boring, followed suit. It was like trying to listen to someone talk at a fast clip without taking a breath. The premise was interesting but the execution faltered.
If you’re looking for a representation of either writer’s writing prowess, I don’t think this is the book. Could be I just didn’t get it, the whole parody/satire thing wrapped in comedic intent. Anyway ………. I wrote about this book here (before I finished reading it), if you’re interested.
I’m guessing, as friends go, these two had a ripping good time collaborating, and I’m also guessing the end-product wasn’t the point. At the close of the day, great writers have nothing to prove to anyone.
Detective/short fiction-160 pages
Elsevier-Dutton 1981/first edition
Cover art by James McMullan
Translated by Norman Thomas Di Giovanni;
Originally published in 1942
by Editorial Sur/Buenos Aires, under the pseudonym H. Bustos Domecq
Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares
WORDMAN 
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