Library

Scotland, 1971. Jay Parini has not yet embarked on the path of being a writer. He is still studying for a doctorate in literature, and is worried about his thesis, love, parents' expectations, and future career. At this time, he received a task: to take care of a "visiting Latin American writer." And this writer is Borges, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He is blind and relies on an ivory-handled cane to find his way around. So, at the request of the master who came from afar, the 22-year-old Parini drove into his old car, took the 72-year-old Borges, who talked endlessly, and traveled through the wilderness scenery of the Scottish Highlands, embarking on a road trip full of twists and turns and whims. Through the eyes of this young apprentice, Borges "saw" the magnificent mountains, rivers and lakes. He recited the literary encyclopedia in his mind, and also talked about family and marriage outside of literature. Sometimes he was so stubborn that he annoyed Parini, and occasionally he showed vulnerability. In the end, under the dazzling light cast by a generation of great masters, the young Parini made a new judgment on his life. "The only thing I know for sure is that after meeting Borges, my way of existing in the world will never be the same again." - Jay Parini