The Situation: In 1943, in the small Mexican town of Puerco Ahogado, Perla Inclán owns and operates a boarding house with the help of her niece, Inés, and a handful of servants. When Perla was younger, her family was well-respected and well-regarded as her father was a titan of the coffee industry. But as the business declined, as well as her parents' health, and her sister brought scandal to the home, Perla was left to uphold what was left of the family's honor, unmarried and somewhat lonely. When she seeks companionship by putting an ad in a local paper, she attracts the notice of Ulises Linares. She knows from a picture that he is handsome, and from his letters that he is younger than her. But she does not know he is a con artist looking for his next big score, and stealing from lonely and wealthy women is what he does best.
The Problem: Ulises is desperate for this con to work out in his favor. Since losing his father, Ulises has found himself a little lost without the old man's expertise and guidance. And when Perla's niece Inés finds out who he really is, not only has Ulises already screwed up, but he now has a partner he did not want. Inés is tired of living with her aunt, who treats her more as one of the servants than a family relation. Not allowed to earn money of her own, Inés is essentially trapped until Perla dies, and the young girl is not sure she can wait much longer. Together, Ulises and Inés attempt to scam a woman who knows more that they realize, and harbors more than a few secrets of her own.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in 1940s Mexico, as the U.S. participates in World War II, and Mexico anticipates the fighting that may or may not reach the country. Puerco Ahogado is fictional, but the surrounding area of Veracruz is real, and this is where Ulises finds himself after deciding that Perla Inclán will be his next mark. While Ulises is a lifetime con artist who grew up watching his father steal from many women, scamming Perla will prove to be more difficult. And her watchful niece Inés is desperate to escape her life of servitude to her stern aunt. All three of them have secrets and hidden plans, and the people of Puerco Ahogado love a reason to gossip.
My Verdict: The first three-fourths or so of this book are solid. Perla's story and history are the most interesting part, especially as the book goes further back in time to explain how she came to be in the situation she is in now, and why she behaves as she does. While Ulises and his con are central to the story, I almost would have preferred to have a story all about Perla and her past. With the third-person narrator alternating the focus between the three main characters, I was often looking forward to the next chapter that focused on Perla's past. It is a book that feels like it maybe should have ended 50 pages before it did, but still a fun and interesting ride.
Favorite Moment: I enjoyed any moment that pointed to how useless Ulises ultimately is.
Favorite Character: Professor Nepomuceno is one of the more permanent lodgers at Perla's house, and while he may be constantly on the lookout for his next drink, he is also kind to Inés and took on her education.
Recommended Reading: Aspects of this book reminded me of Isabel Allende's Portrait in Sepia, my favorite of her Trilogía Involuntaria series.
