Summary

Part One of the novel is entitled “Friday.” Chapter 1 opens on a Friday in late May, in a town call Ciudad de Tres Hermanas. Two of the main characters are Rufina and her brother Rafa. Rufina is 28 years old, and Rafa is only a few weeks away from turning 30. Four months ago, their mother Rosalinda died, and Rufina and Rafa are still grieving. When Rufina and Rafa were children, their mother had a relationship with a man simply called the Explorer. Rufina and Rafa used to perform in the streets, mostly at the direction of the Explorer. Rufina would sing and dance, while Rafa would mime playing music on a broken guitar, and tourists would give them money. Rufina has suggested that, in honor of their mother, they perform again for three days. Rufina says that if they earn enough money...