This was my 2nd read of 2026 after seeing it get repeatedly recommended on BookTok. Despite the abruptly quirky and unexpected ending, I did enjoy reading this book. In one word, (or 3 lol) I’d say this book captures themes of detachment of self, rebirth, and death very well. The ending was a 50/50 for me, not because of the outcome itself but rather the events that led up to it with little to no explanation or lead-up for the conclusion itself.

Perhaps the clues were always there, and it may be worth a reread soon as it might bring that closure I didn’t get my upon my initial read. I have an ebook currently, and being reprinted my NYRB, I really hope to add a physical copy to my shelf soon!

A common critique for this book is the very thing that captivated me to Enriquez' work and immersed me into her world of the Argentine essence, one that cannot exist separately from the political and social history of the nation itself. Danger's of Smoking in Bed was where I started, but within 2 weeks I had already read about Mariana's life, and her other two short story collections that precede this quickly making her one of my newer favorite authors. It also further helped me contextualize her style of writing and the recurring themes that show up in all of her work.

Horror in literature can come in many forms and while I can see why fans of a linear and "traditional" story building may not enjoy her work, as it fully encompasses magical realism at its finest with stories that genuinely have an eerie tone and are made to leave to uncomfortable, and searching for clarity. I found the ambiguity to be very realistic of what generational trauma, political & gendered violence, and poverty can leave behind on a nation and its people.

Some of my notable favorite stories (5/5) from this collection were: "The Cart" , "The Well", “Rambla Triste”, "The Lookout", and finally, "Kids who Come Back". I do recommend going into it blind initially, although I did find a Reddit thread analyzing each chapter to be quite helpful in unpacking whatever ambiguity that was there in light of closure and discussion. Highly recommend to those who are interested in magical realism, and political horror (if that's a thing) and folk horror.