Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Fiction

by Adela Pineda Franco (editor), Adela Pineda Franco (editor), Jim Mendiola (editor)

Observed in Mexico and parts of the United States, El Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebratory holiday. Los Muertos is the first anthology of fiction relating to or inspired by this bicultural tradition. Each of the two dozen Mexican and Mexican American writers featured here has a unique affinity for the myriad ideas connected closely to the El Día de Muertos—some in less obvious ways. The stories connect to the metaphors and connotations related to memorializing the dead, some reflecting on the ritualized and religious aspects of what has become a commercialized holiday and others reacting to such cultural appropriations.

284 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Katie Singer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean there were a few stories that were a bit abstract for me, that's the reaosn for 4 stars. But, in all, what a beautiful collection of ghostly, other-wordly, fairy-tale, as well as straight lit writing. Just gorgeous stuff froma collection of writers I might not otherwise read.

[Laura Sturza · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary window into Day of the Dead traditions. Every single story in this anthology is a gem. They are filled with mystery, deep love, imminent danger, and grace—the souls of the dead and living weave in and out of each story, introducing astounding characters. The book masterfully includes realism and magical realism, and opens new worlds created by each writer. I have always been interested in the Day of the Dead tradition, and this book offered story after story that offered different lenses into ways the holiday can be celebrated. Much as I wanted to hurry through the book because it was so engaging, I slowed myself down to savor it, and let each one sink in.

[Anupma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wide range of tales, spanning genres even. Some more beautiful than others.