Time of the Flies
ABOUT
THE BOOK
Fifteen years after killing her husband’s lover, Inés is released from prison and left to put together a new life. Her old friend Manca is out too, and together they’ve started a pest control and private investigation business, by women, for women. But Señora Bonar, one of her clients, wants Inés to do more than kill bugs: wants her expertise, and her criminal past, to help get her revenge on someone. When Inés’s estranged daughter shows up, however, we realise that things are not as they seem. Crimes against women and crimes by women, the complex loyalties among friends, mothers and daughters, and a breath-taking twist. Dark, intelligent, and suspenseful.
Original Title in Spanish El tiempo de las moscas published by Alfaguara (2022)
ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR Frances
Riddle
Frances Riddle has translated numerous Spanish-language authors including Isabel Allende, Claudia Piñeiro, Leila Guerriero, and Sara Gallardo. Her translation of Theatre of War by Andrea Jeftanovic was granted an English PEN Award in 2020. Her work has appeared in journals such as Granta, Electric Literature, and The White Review, among others. She holds a BA in Spanish Language Literature from Louisiana State University and an MA in Translation Studies from the University of Buenos Aires. In 2022, Frances’ translation of Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. Originally from Houston, Texas she lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Frances Riddle has translated numerous Spanish-language authors including Isabel Allende, Claudia Piñeiro, Leila Guerriero, and Sara Gallardo. Her translation of Theatre of War by Andrea Jeftanovic was granted an English PEN Award in 2020. Her work has appeared in journals such as Granta, Electric Literature, and The White Review, among others. She holds a BA in Spanish Language Literature from Louisiana State University and an MA in Translation Studies from the University of Buenos Aires. In 2022, Frances’ translation of Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. Originally from Houston, Texas she lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS
Time of the Flies is an insightful, socially engaged novel, told through a vibrant dual narrative. The intimate, first-person voice of Inés intertwines with a chorus to reflect on themes such as femicide, motherhood, friendship, feminism, and identity, drawing on both classical and contemporary references. (Biblioteca Daniel Cosío Villegas, El Colegio de México)