Atlas de Xochimilco

The ancient beauty of Xochimilco—which means "field of flowers" in the Nahuatl language—takes center stage in this novel, revealing both its miracle and its tragedy. Its enchanting canals, vibrant vegetation, and majestic volcanoes create a unique landscape, dotted with islands that appear to float but are, in fact, remarkable feats of ancestral agriculture. Yet, the pressures of tourism and real estate development, the abandonment of rural life, and the exploitation of natural resources threaten to transform this territory forever. In different decades and under different circumstances, two women arrive in Xochimilco—perhaps unknowingly—in search of a sense of belonging. Luz sets out to map the labyrinthine landscape of Xochimilco, a pursuit that draws her into the struggle to preserve the *chinampas* (traditional floating gardens). Meanwhile, Camila travels to Mexico with her son, seeking refuge from a marital crisis. Her stay forces her to confront ghosts from her youth, as well as her father—now a grumbling yet generous grandfather who spends hours with his grandson, spinning tales of gods, warriors, and Pokémon. Though they never meet, the stories of Luz and Camila become intertwined through their connection to Martín, a *chinampero* (traditional farmer) who serves as the anchor of this narrative. The various encounters between these characters offer a deep dive into the complexities of family intimacy and the wounds that the passage of time has failed to heal.