Hopscotch

The first part of the book is entitled "From the Other Side," and its action takes place in Paris, France. As the narrative opens, Horacio Oliveira, the main character, is wandering the bridges of Paris alone one afternoon, hoping to encounter his lover, Lucía (most often referred to as La Maga), and a description follows concerning the complex relationship of the two. Horacio indicates that while La Maga is desperately in love with him, the feeling is not entirely reciprocated. He enjoys her company, but enjoys reflecting on profound ideas even more, which is a gap that Lucia's less developed intelligence is unable to bridge. The affair is passionate, but Horacio himself is emotionally sterile.