Winter Quarters (1982)

Set in Colonia Vela three years after the events of Soriano's previous book ('A Funny Dirty Little War'), the military have now moved in, and wholly control the town. They have organised an anniversary celebration for the crushing of the uprising, and invited Galvan, a tango singer, and Rocha, an uncouth and washed-up boxer. The two meet on the train in, and form an uneasy partnership. Galvan is due to sing at the celebrations, Rocha is to fight the army favourite. Galvan falls foul of his hosts by refusing to attend mass. As he is thrown out of town, he realises that Rocha is being set up to lose, and that his life may be in danger. Galvan returns to town to try and rescue his unlikely friend.
This book is less brutal than the previous one (though it does have its moments) but retains the same comic absurdity. Galvan and Rocha's relationship is genuinely touching and Soriano once again writes beautifully about his sadness with what has happened to his home country. Whereas the Colonia Vela of the first book felt a long way from Buenos Aires, by the second book the Junta had reached out its tentacles into all corners of Argentina. Galvan's weariness and Rocha's naivety make perfect counterpoints to the growing horror of military rule. This was a touching novel, longer and less bloody than 'A Funny Dirty Little War' and, consequently, had much more emotional pull. If Soriano's first book was very good, the this one was excellent. An author I will look for more of in the future.