A struggle between family sacrifice and financial success. Los Angeles native Pablo Colmena questions his purpose and his faith in this evocative poetry-and-short-story collection.

Pablo is the son of an immigrant Catholic family. His relationship with his father has always been troubled, culminating in an incident in which his investments cost his father his job. Pablo keeps his involvement a secret and carries around shame and guilt that further distance him from his father.

At the same time, Pablo questions his devotion to the Catholic church. His uncertainties about religion only serve to drive a wedge between him and the rest of the family. Pablo strives to leave his impoverished childhood behind him, but his experiences will make him realize just how much his parents gave up to offer him a better life.

Delgadillo’s work shows the enduring power of family and argues that money and success don’t necessarily buy happiness and contentment.