"Emma zunz" by Jorge Luis Borges

I first read this story in my intermediate Spanish course in college and fell in love with its minimalist yet dense, layered style.

What sets Emma Zunz apart from other Borges stories is his experimentation with suspense, psychological complexity, and narrative form, showcasing his talent beyond the metaphysical themes for which he’s best known. The story begins with the death of Emma's father and her overwhelming grief, but what follows remains unclear until the very end.