VLACC is pleased to present another session of our reading group dedicated to Latin American short stories. Join us for an engaging discussion on “Hell So Feared” (1957) by Juan Carlos Onetti and “Emma Zunz” (1949) by Jorge Luis Borges — two masterful stories from the mid-20th century that delve into power, fear, and moral ambiguity.

We are excited to welcome back Dr. María Carbonetti, a lecturer at UBC’s Department of French, Hispanic & Italian Studies, who will once again facilitate the discussion and guide us through the literary contexts of the works.

The stories are available in a single file, with both the original Spanish and English translations included one after the other. No prior knowledge of Latin American literature or Spanish is required. The discussion will be held in English.

Access the stories here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e8xJyGrOL-67r8YHhg7MHW9iaJucmaaG?usp=sharing

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: Conference Room (Britannia Community Services Centre – 1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4)

About the Facilitator

Dr. María Carbonetti is a lecturer in the Department of French, Hispanic & Italian Studies (FHIS) at the University of British Columbia. She is the founder and director of Spanish for Community, a community-based experiential learning initiative, and her work focuses on second-language learning, intercultural translation, and inclusive curriculum design. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to teaching and public engagement, including the Killam Teaching Prize (2019) and the Public Humanities Hub Public Engagement Award (2022).

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