MID-LIFE crises and relationship breakdowns can lead to unexpected places and they loom large in Fate (Charco Press, £9.99), the fifth book from Argentinean writer Jorge Consiglio.

In his novel, three individuals are undergoing a critical moment in their lives. Meteorologist Marina, her oboist husband Carl and son live in central Buenos Aires but when she travels to the province of Chaco on a work trip, she shares a room with a fellow scientist with whom eventually ends up having an affair.

Meanwhile, in another area of Buenos Aires, successful taxidermist Amer enrols in a self-help group for smokers who want to quit, where he meets the much younger Clara and begins a relationship with her.