Paradais

What Hay Cartagena Says: Fellow novelist Mariana Enríquez called this “a short inexorable descent into Hell”, but don't let that put you off. Paradais explores teenagehood against the explosive fragility of Mexican society. Issues of race, class and violence collide with the myths, desires, and hardships of youth. It’s compelling reading and lingers long after you finish the last page.

What They Say: “Melchor evokes the stories of Flannery O'Connor, or, more recently, Marlon James's A Brief History Of Seven Killings. Impressive” – Julian Lucas, New York Times

Available on Bookshop.org, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble and Amazon

Read More: Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias’ Latin American Reading List