Fantasmas

More about the book

These stories encompass a range of narratives, from childhood tales to fictional accounts blending erotica, fantasy, and suspense within rural and urban Gothic settings. They serve as both homage to ancestral figures embedded in family folklore and imaginative tales where specters emerge from darkness to haunt and challenge. Addressing themes from the Great Depression to the aftermath of Hurricane María, the narratives reflect the resilience and spirit of the Puerto Rican people, showcasing survival against adversity and the haunting presence of phantoms lurking in the shadows. The author revisits Puerto Rican history and its diasporas, recounting the stories of the deceased. Drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe and Horacio Quiroga, the author crafts intricate tales of souls lost during the Great Depression, young widows swept away by hurricanes, soldiers subjected to medical experiments, and women ensnared by vice. With a comprehensive perspective, the author explores significant moments in Puerto Rican history, revealing enduring stories of terror that trap the living in a limbo, transforming them into transparent echoes of collective trauma. This work illuminates our persistent ghosts, offering clarity to help conjure collective memory and foster progress.