In her critically acclaimed novella "Ofrenda for a Broken Heart," the protagonist, Rafael, cannot move on from his ex-fiancée. The romantic storyline stalls until he builds an ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar) for her memory—not because she died, but because the relationship died. In a stunning scene, Rafael negotiates with the photograph of his own late mother, who appears in a dream to tell him: “Hijo, el amor que se va no es vacío. Es un cuarto desocupado para el que viene.” (Son, the love that leaves is not emptiness. It is an empty room for the one who arrives.)
If you have not yet read her work, start with "Where the Jacarandas Bleed." But be warned: after Lujan, the usual romance novel may feel like drinking warm soda when you have been promised aged mezcal. SexMex - Cassandra Lujan - Mexican step-mom -10...