Perhaps because of the title and a misleading summary, I was hoping for something along the lines of "Gargantua and Pantagruel." I was hoping, at least, for a character or two, since my version of "Cronopios and Famas" does not indicate anywhere that it is a collection of briefly explored ideas that could have become the seeds of short stories or could perhaps have been condensed into poems (prose or otherwise) with proper attention.This is more of a humorist's assembly than anything else. If you feel the need to read it, out of loyalty to Cortazar or for some other reason unconnected to its merits, keep it by the toilet. Reading it all at once can only be a disappointment.

But, my actual suggestion would be that you don't read this book, certainly that you don't read the section of the book that justifies the title. Check out Francis Ponge if you want thought-provoking, outsider prose poems, or Isadore Ducasse if you want absurd, poetic short stories. On the shear strength of "Autonauts of the Cosmoroute" I will continue to search for another Cortazar book that I like; but this stinker really lowered my hopes. ( )

Great fun. I liked Vietato introdurre biciclette. Nothing to do with bicycles but best sign I ever saw was on a pub door in Watchet - No dogs or Geordies.

This book reminded me of some of Franz Kafka's strange little tales. Cool. ( )