Under the Jaguar Sun is a mesmerizing collection of three unfinished short stories by Italo Calvino, each exploring the power of the human senses—taste, hearing, and smell. The title story, set in Mexico, follows a couple fascinated by the connections between taste, ritual, and desire, as they embark on a culinary and symbolic journey tied to the ancient traditions of the Aztecs. The other two stories, A King Listens and The Name, The Nose, delve into auditory and olfactory experiences, revealing how perception shapes emotions, identity, and power.

Calvino’s signature blend of philosophy, sensuality, and surrealism makes this collection a thought-provoking meditation on human experience, the physical world, and the mysteries that lie beneath everyday sensations.

Why read this book?

• A masterful example of Calvino’s evocative prose and imaginative storytelling.

• Explores how our senses shape perception, memory, and emotion.

• A unique fusion of literary fiction and philosophy, with layers of meaning to unravel.

• Perfect for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, symbolic narratives.

About the Author

Italo Calvino (1923–1985) was one of Italy’s most celebrated 20th-century writers, known for his experimental narratives, postmodernist style, and intellectual playfulness. His notable works include Invisible Cities, If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler, and The Baron in the Trees. Calvino’s writing blends fantasy, philosophy, and social critique, making him a defining figure in modern literature.