First published 1990
Martina sits on her balcony in old San Juan, carefully grooming herself for the suitors who will come calling. The beautiful cockroach has reached marriageable age, and her grandmother has taught her the ancient ritual of courtship. One by one, the animals of the neighborhood arrive to ask for her hand. The rooster crows too loudly. The pig grunts and snorts. The dog barks without end. Each suitor fails to meet Martina's standards for a proper husband. Then a tiny mouse appears, speaking softly and politely. Martina finds herself charmed by his gentle manner and sweet voice. But when she accepts his proposal, tragedy strikes in an instant. The mouse's curiosity leads him too close to danger, and Martina must face the harsh reality that love cannot always conquer fate. Her dreams of happiness crumble as she learns that even the deepest affection cannot protect those we cherish most.
Genres: animals, 20th-century, fairy-tales, magical-realism
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, unreliable-narrator
Setting: San Juan
Period: 20th-century
14 pages · Paperback · Ediciones Huracán