‘’In a few hours I will take you with me on the journey to the other world because I can’t leave you, not ever again.’’

In a game of Loteria, there is a multitude of paths one must follow faithfully. A game of Loteria is no different than the game of Life. Shadows, fears, nightmares, threats, secrets. Death. Where does each path lead?

‘’Hair as black as ebony.
No.
Hair as black as a crow’s wing.
A crow’s wing.’’

In 54 stories - as many as the cards of the Loteria- Cynthia Pelayo traces the wealth of Spanish, Central and Southern American Folklore. Each tale is woven through a specific card of the game and becomes a haunting song, a lament of the inevitable, a wail at the whims of Fate. El Chupacabra, La Llorona, El Hombre, the Rainbow Crow, the Sayona, El Sombreron, El Lobizon, El Cadejo, El Pombero, bandit saints, shamans, brujas, curanderas, and world legends like the Seventh Son, the Flying Dutchman, the Irish Banhees. Places like the Isla de las Muñecas and the Aokigahara Forest. From Barcelona to Mexico, Puerto Rico to Japan, Portugal to Haiti, Valladolid, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Guatemala.

‘’Our stories are always in movement, even when we think they aren’t. For we never truly end.’’

Bones and blood, violent spirits, sacrifices born in cultures long lost but not forgotten, ghosts that desire human warmth, very real monsters who sell their daughters to international crime-rings, women raped, tortured, murdered by men infinitely more dangerous than spectres or demons. Stories of spice and marigold, and the essence of the Unknown. Stories that guide you through graveyards and dusty roads around the world. Stories to be read after 3.00 a.m. Stories that echo a guitar serenade under the weak flicker of a candle. Or a scream of desperation…

‘’Inside I know what awaited me. It is what awaits us all. We all must remember memento mori.’’

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )

I love the concept using the Loteria to spin tales. Some stories I had to use the index in the back to understand some of the references. Fun doing side research on some of the folklore. ( )