Outsider Everywhere: Witold Gombrowicz in Argentina

by Mercedes Halfon, Rahul Bery (Translator)

In August 1939, a ship flying the Polish flag docked in Buenos Aires. On board was a delegation of businessmen, diplomats and journalists. Days later, the captain received orders to return home with all crew and passengers in light of the imminent outbreak of the Second World War. But one man, fascinated by the city, chose to stay at the very last minute. Thus began the unexpected twenty-four-year Argentine exile of one of the twentieth century's major Witold Gombrowicz. Drawing on his writings and interviews with surviving disciples, writers and scholars, Mercedes Halfon's Outsider Everywhere traces Gombrowicz's Argentine years in elegant, pared-back prose, and composes a vivid account of mid-century bohemia in Buenos Aires. Brilliantly translated by Rahul Bery, Mercedes Halfon's Outsider Everywhere is a gripping portrait of a literary figure on the margins who rose to prominence late in life to become 'one of the greatest novelists of our century' (Milan Kundera). 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 23, 2026

About the author

Mercedes Halfon nació en Buenos Aires en 1980. Es periodista y crítica de teatro.

Participó como actriz y asistente de dirección en algunas obras teatrales.

Actualmente escribe en el suplemento Radar de Página/12, en la revista Etiqueta negra de Perú, y en Teatro del Teatro San Martín.

Publicó la novela Te pido un taxi, por editorial Sudamericana, y las plaquetas Dormir con lo puesto por Zorra Poesía, Un paisaje que nunca vi por Color Pastel. Integra la antología de poesía argentina contemporánea Lo humanamente posible, editada por El fin de la noche.

En 2009 ganó el Premio Estímulo de Tea al periodismo gráfico.