In this complex short story, Fuentes challenges the general notion of time through an innovative narrative technique, removing the boundaries between present, past, and future. Young historian Felipe Montero accepts a live-in position he found on the newspaper, editing the memoirs of General Llorente, whose elderly widow, Consuelo, wants to publish before her death. Intoxicated by the airless atmosphere of the house, Felipe dreams of having sex and escaping with Consuelo's young beautiful niece, Aura. But as he reads the General's writings about Consuelo's infertility, her fantasy of having a child, and her obsession with youth, he discovers that Aura is actually a projection of the 109-year-old widow. One day, while he embraces her, Aura transforms into the old woman. Felipe is immediately ensnared by his own desire and actions into the role of the General, together with Consuelo to give birth to Aura, the essence of youth and the illusion of life. With a passionate writing style, Fuentes masterfully recreates the dreamlike atmosphere of the house.
Religion is another element that has been shown throughout the story. Consuelo’s room is filled with religious objects. Felipe noticed that whenever she does her prayers, she seems to be doing exactly the same actions as Aura but in another room. Fuentes removed all the boundaries that seem normal to us and takes on this wonderful journey of the past, present, and future, heaven and hell, blended with magic and realism.
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