The Way Out

In this academic thriller, Emilio Renzi investigates the mysterious death of his colleague, Ida Brown, uncovering connections to a series of violent attacks and exploring deeper themes of truth and humanity.

In The Way Out, Emilio Renzi, the literary alter ego of renowned Argentine author Ricardo Piglia, returns in an academic thriller that probes the depths of personal truth and the secrets we seek in others. Set in the mid-1990s, Renzi relocates from Argentina to New Jersey for a visiting position at a prestigious university, hoping for a quiet semester. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he embarks on a secretive romance with his colleague, the captivating and mysterious Ida Brown. Their relationship is abruptly shattered when Ida is found dead in her car, a tragedy that Renzi cannot accept as mere coincidence.

As he grapples with the police's lack of thoroughness in their investigation and the strange burn found on Ida's hand, Renzi decides to take matters into his own hands. His inquiry leads him to uncover a series of bizarre attacks targeting scientists and researchers, raising the stakes of his investigation. When a radical manifesto threatens further violence, the identity of the killer comes to light, complicating Renzi's quest for answers. Delving deeper into Ida's past, he discovers a connection between her and the terrorist, propelling him into a dangerous search for the truth about her death.

Piglia masterfully intertwines autobiography and fiction, offering a sharp critique of American culture while exploring themes of privacy and politics amid rapid technological change. The Way Out challenges readers to confront the darker aspects of humanity and the societal systems that can give rise to such violence, all within the framework of a compelling detective narrative.