The watchman feels very fortunate to have a job in El Salvador after the civil war, when so many people are unemployed. Its boring but easy work, taking care of a new house that belongs to a Salvadoran couple living in Los Angeles. When he thinks about his previous jobsday laborer, coffee harvester, highway construction workerhes even more grateful. All he has to do is water the plants and cut the grass, and of course, keep thieves from stealing all the furnishings. And once a month, he reassures the owners that their beautiful home in their beloved homeland remains in good condition until their next visit. Then one day, everything changes.
Acclaimed Salvadoran writer Mario Bencastro examines themes of war, dislocation, and longing in this bilingual collection of stories, poetry, and one novella. Many of his characters are forced to leave their homelands because of violence and poverty. But once in the Promised Land, separated from family and friends and in a country whose language and culture they dont understand, many find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of loss and nostalgia.
Readers will not soon forget Bencastros moving images fueled by the horrible realities of war and the painful need to leave behind all that is dear.
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