Pago Chico is a classic Argentine satire that feels like it could have been written yesterday. Written by journalist and playwright Roberto Jorge Payró, it takes aim at the political life of small-town Argentina at the turn of the 20th century.

The Story

The book is a collection of connected stories set in the fictional town of Pago Chico. We follow a cast of local politicians, officials, and townspeople as they navigate elections, scandals, and bureaucratic nonsense. There's no single hero; instead, we see how ambition, vanity, and a desire for status drive the town's affairs. The plot moves from one humorous episode to the next, showing how personal interests often trump the public good.

Why You Should Read It

Payró writes with a journalist's eye and a satirist's wit. The characters are wonderfully flawed and recognizable—the pompous mayor, the scheming councilman, the easily swayed voter. What makes it great is that it's not just history; it's a funny and sometimes cringe-worthy mirror on human nature and local politics. You don't need to know Argentine history to appreciate the universal jokes about power and hypocrisy.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven humor and political satire. If you liked books like Main Street by Sinclair Lewis or the witty observations of Mark Twain, you'll find a kindred spirit in Payró. It's also a fantastic pick if you're looking to explore classic Latin American literature that's accessible, short, and still packs a punch. A truly entertaining glimpse into the past that speaks to the present.