“De andras kalas” is a short story by Argentine writer Liliana Heker, translated into Swedish by Annakarin Thorburn. It follows Rosaura to a birthday party where her friendship with Luciana meets a sharp class boundary. The documented Swedish publication is Karavan 2012:4, pages 76–80, according to Världslitteratur.se’s catalog entry.
What happens in “De andras kalas”?
Rosaura is happy to attend Luciana’s birthday party. But the girls’ friendship exists within an unequal social relationship: Rosaura’s mother works for Luciana’s mother, Senora Inéz. At the party, Rosaura helps with the festivities and expects to receive the same kind of party favor as the other children.
At the end, Senora Inéz gives Rosaura money, treating her contribution as paid work rather than as a guest’s participation. This account is based on a scholarly summary; consult the story for its exact scenes and wording.
Why is the ending important?
The money changes how the party can be understood. Rosaura has experienced it as a place where friendship might make her one of the children; Senora Inéz’s gesture instead marks her as someone whose help is to be paid for. The ending does not erase the friendship, but it makes Rosaura’s sense of belonging uncertain and brings the class divide into focus.
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A useful way to read the story is to compare Rosaura’s understanding of her role with Senora Inéz’s treatment of it. The tension between inclusion and service gives the final gesture its force: what Rosaura may have taken as acceptance is also shaped by unequal power.
What is the decisive turning point?
A reading question associated with the story asks, “Vilken är den avgörande vändpunkten i novellen ‘De andras kalas’?”—“What is the decisive turning point in the short story ‘De andras kalas’?” The question points readers toward the moment that changes how they interpret what came before: Senora Inéz’s decision to give Rosaura money at the end.
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Where was it published in Swedish?
Världslitteratur.se catalogs the Swedish translation in Karavan 2012:4, pages 76–80. This identifies a print issue to look for, but does not establish that it is currently in stock or sold as a standalone book. Check the issue details and availability with a library or bookseller before seeking a copy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How is the story used in Swedish education?
The title appears in Swedish educational materials. A Uppsala University exam resource includes it in Svenska 1 and Swedish-as-a-second-language 1 reading materials, with a sample question about why Rosaura’s mother does not want her to attend the party. A Malmö school course page lists the story as a source for an example investigative essay. These examples show use in educational settings; they do not establish current nationwide curriculum status.
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