Latin American Short Stories Reading Group with Jon Beasley-Murray

VLACC invites you to join our monthly Latin American Short Stories Reading Group for an evening of thoughtful discussion and community. This session will be led by Professor Jon Beasley-Murray, who will guide us through remarkable works of Latin American literature: Complete Works and Other Stories by Guatemalan writer Augusto Monterroso and The Return by Chilean author Roberto Bolaño.

Together, we will explore Monterroso’s sharp and playful microfiction as well as Bolaño’s evocative narrative style, considering themes of irony, memory, identity, and literary experimentation. This gathering offers an accessible entry point into Latin American literature, and no prior experience or background is needed. Everyone is welcome.

The stories will be discussed in English. English translations and the original Spanish versions will be provided.

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Location: Conference Room at Britannia Community Services Centre (1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4)

Access the readings here (make sure to read the stories before joining the group):

About the Facilitator

Jon Beasley-Murray is a professor in the Department of French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies and in the Arts One program at the University of British Columbia, where he also chairs the Latin American Studies program.

He holds an MA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a PhD from Duke University, and has previously taught at the Universities of Aberdeen and Manchester, where he co-founded the Centre for Latin American Cultural Studies.

A specialist in Latin American literature, culture, and social and political theory, Jon teaches a wide range of courses including Spanish language, translation, and seminars on topics such as the Latin American dictator novel, Mexican film, and human and civil rights. His innovative use of Wikipedia in the classroom has received international attention.

He is the author of Posthegemony, published by the University of Minnesota Press and awarded an honorable mention in the MLA’s Katherine Singer Kovacs Prize. He has also published extensively in journals and edited volumes. His current book projects explore themes including American ruins and the Latin American multitude.

Please note that this event will be photographed and filmed for internal documentation and promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or recordings, kindly inform us upon arrival.

With the support of Britannia Community and Services Centre

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