This is Not Miami

This Is Not Miami is a collection of crónicas by Fernanda Melchor that blend reportage, narrative non-fiction, and novelistic forms to explore the motivations of murderers and misfits, forcing us to understand and empathize with them despite our desire to disdain them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2023
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

This Is Not Miami is a collection of stories set in and around the city of Veracruz in Mexico. The book delivers a series of devastating stories that blend reportage and the author's rich and rigorous imagination. These crónicas, a genre unique to Latin American writing, blend reportage, narrative non-fiction, and novelistic forms to probe deeply into the motivations of murderers and misfits, into their desires and circumstances, forcing us to understand them and even empathize with them, despite our wish to disdain them as monsters. As in her hugely acclaimed novels Hurricane Season and Paradais, and once again brilliantly translated by Sophie Hughes, Fernanda Melchor's masterful stories show how the violent and shocking aberrations that make the headlines are only the surface ruptures of a society on the brink of chaos.

This Is Not Miami is a captivating collection of stories set in and around the vibrant city of Veracruz in Mexico. The book delves into a series of devastating tales that seamlessly blend reportage and the author's vivid and imaginative storytelling. These crónicas, a unique genre found in Latin American literature, combine elements of reportage, narrative non-fiction, and novelistic styles to delve deep into the motivations and circumstances of murderers and misfits. Through these captivating narratives, the author forces us to confront and understand these individuals, even as we may struggle to reconcile our desire to condemn them as monsters.

Similar to her highly acclaimed novels Hurricane Season and Paradais, This Is Not Miami is once again masterfully translated by Sophie Hughes, ensuring that the rich and complex nuances of the writing are preserved for English readers. Fernanda Melchor's stories shed light on the underlying fractures within society, exposing the surface-level ruptures that often dominate the headlines. These tales serve as a powerful reminder that beneath the surface of everyday life, there are profound societal tensions and conflicts simmering, ready to explode into chaos.

This Is Not Miami offers a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of morality. The author skillfully weaves together a tapestry of characters, each with their own unique motivations and backstories, creating a rich and immersive narrative. The stories are filled with suspense, drama, and unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Through their eyes, we witness the devastating consequences of violence, the struggles of survival, and the search for redemption.

This Is Not Miami is a testament to Fernanda Melchor's talent as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of a place and its people. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals caught up in extraordinary circumstances, reminding us of the shared humanity we all possess. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for change and a glimmer of light.

In conclusion, This Is Not Miami is a must-read for anyone who enjoys compelling storytelling and wants to explore the darker corners of human nature. Fernanda Melchor's masterful writing and Sophie Hughes' exceptional translation bring this collection to life, offering a thought-provoking and unforgettable journey into the heart of Mexico and the human condition.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804270189