First published 2012
This collection of stories examines characters trapped by their choices and circumstances. Whether facing the aftermath of poor decisions, struggling relationships, serious health problems, or the chaos of conflict, each protagonist must find a way forward. Alarcón presents characters who confront the consequences of both their deliberate actions and events beyond their control. The stories focus on the practical and emotional challenges of escape and recovery. Characters grapple with questions of how to undo damage, move past mistakes, and rebuild from difficult positions. The collection reveals how people navigate the space between recognizing a problem and finding a solution. While looking back provides clarity, the real test comes in taking the next step forward, seeking some form of personal redemption or resolution.
Genres: fiction, short-stories, literary-fiction, contemporary
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: redemption, second-chance
Period: 21st-Century
256 pages · Paperback · Granta