Lotería: Stories by Cynthia Pelayo
In Lotería, Cynthia Pelayo has compiled an eclectic collection of stories and vignettes that vary from haunting to unsettling to the macabre. Whether a chapter contains a short narrative, a poem or even a list, every featured entry stands on its own in terms of being thought-provoking or poignant, and the transition from one chapter to the next is seamless and allows for time between each shock or surprise.
In “The Pine Tree”, Rey’s relationship with Lydia had changed, going from passionate to moribund in a heartbeat. Rey is upset at the turn of events and finds himself consumed with longing for Lydia and attempting to understand her indifference to his feelings. He is drawn to her in a way that defies logic and leads to him casting normalcy aside, perchance by design. Pelayo exhibits a wicked sense of humor in this tale of obsession.
Ernesto Baez desires to cement his family’s legacy by having the family business, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, included as a United Nations World Heritage Site. His determination to solidify his family’s work in Chile blithely ignores the system of harsh labor that allowed the company to operate for decades. Ernesto’s sister advises him against pursuing this foolhardy objective, but Ernesto’s hubris prevents him from listening. “The Heart” deftly highlights how pride comes before a fall.
In “The Rooster”, a farmer named Julian is bedeviled by the disappearance of his animals. Every day, he must contend with a new loss and clean up the bloody remnants of a grisly attack. Resignation and exhaustion reverberate throughout his body as the morning dawns and his farm is bereft of animals, his livestock having fallen prey to an elusive cryptid.
Princesa is the daughter of a local kingpin who seeks escape from a strict and confining life. She surreptitiously works as a dancer in a gentleman’s club, dealing with the predatory behavior of drunken and lecherous customers in the hope of making enough money to fund her freedom. She has her guard up against unruly patrons, but as “The Soldier” exhibits, one can never be too careful.
While “The Rooster” dealt with the depredations from a monster, many of the stories written by Pelayo cleverly convey the beast that resides in a human being (“The Little Devil”), which provokes unspeakable acts of violence. In “The Crown”, Pelayo poses a series of questions, followed by free verse, and then provides a list for comparison where perception is the key to understanding. The reader’s mind is set ablaze as a result.
Cynthia Pelayo has composed a fascinating compilation of verse and narratives that are vivid and fearless. Each selection in Lotería resonates differently, but the overall impact of the 50+ stories can’t be overstated.
The genius of her narration is in eliciting many emotions in the reader: fear, unease, but also amusement. Cynthia Pelayo (Vanishing Daughters) continues to distinguish herself as an author with a true talent for compelling storytelling. Lotería is a stellar compendium of fiction that should garner a large audience.
About Cynthia Pelayo:
Cynthia Pelayo is a Bram Stoker Award and International Latino Book Award winning author and poet. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is pursuing a PhD in English. She lives in Chicago.
