The books below are set in different countries in South America, and they aren’t only limited to the Spanish-speaking territories. This list also includes books set in Brazil, the largest country in the continent, whose language is Portuguese. The books are also grouped into three genres: fiction, mystery, and romantic stories. Let’s explore what the continent has to offer with these books set in South America. ¡Vamos! I hope that these books set in South America are enough to satiate your travel lust, fuel your wonder, and ignite your curiosity. Though the book’s subject is dark, this makes me want to book a flight to dreamy Buenos Aires, learn about its history, and see the places the character visits. Borgo builds up on this event: in Caracas, it’s a total dystopia. Protesters are killed. There’s violence in the streets. And its protagonist, Adelaida Falcon, flees the country. It’s a book that stays with you for a long time after reading it. But don’t let the above dissuade you from ever visiting the country. Venezuela is a secret corner tucked away in South America (its tourist attractions are amazing!), sans the violence and the crime. Unfortunately, it’s extremely dangerous to travel there right now, per the government’s advisory. Hopefully, it would be safe in the future. I love the theme of the book: friendship and its many challenges. The book delights readers with descriptions of Brazil’s outskirts and Rio de Janeiro in the 20th century. Twenty After Midnight transports readers to Brazil’s urban scene. The book has been shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize. From Spain, she sets out for Ecuador. While on a ship, however, Puri is mysteriously attacked. She survives, but her husband, Cristobal, dies. Apparently, there’s someone in her family who doesn’t want her to inherit what’s hers. In order to be safe, she disguises as Cristobal, and she must continue this subterfuge until she arrives in Ecuador and find out who the culprit is. This works well for those who are into stories replete with drama and intrigue. But a terrible incident in Omar’s village in rural Ayachero forces him to go back there, and Lily tags along. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the jungle and the people living there. The dangers of the place offer a different kind of mystery. It follows Irene Beltran, a journalist, and her husband, Francisco Leal, a photographer. The couple investigate a young girl believed to have magical powers. Instead, they discover an atrocity committed by Pinochet’s brutal regime. While the book feels a lot like mystery, it actually focuses on the romance of the two protagonists. When you’re in the middle of nowhere, much less in the cold Patagonian mountains, some things might bloom in an unexpected way. If you wish to go up north and take a trip to North/Central America instead, here are 5 Historical Fiction Books Set in Latin America and 100 Must-Read Latin American Books for you to enjoy!
