Los Misterios del Plata

Juana Manso's *Los Misterios del Plata* (1846) is a seminal work that initiates the tradition of historical novels with a political backdrop in the Río de la Plata region. Manso boldly declares her intent not to imitate Eugène Sue's *Mysteries of Paris*, but to expose Argentina's own "dark mysteries"—the political events, customs, and "appalling dramas" of her nation, directly denouncing Juan Manuel de Rosas as an "atrocious and bloodthirsty tyrant."

This narrative, steeped in betrayals and societal oppression, vividly portrays the era's tumultuous climate, anticipating later works like Mármol's *Amalia*. Beyond its sharp political critique, *Los Misterios del Plata* also showcases Manso's unwavering commitment to women's rights, featuring characters like Adelaida Maza de Avellaneda who actively challenge fate, thus expanding women's roles within a male-dominated literary landscape. A fearless and foundational text.