A vibrant debut story collection—poignant, unflinching, and immersive—masterfully moving between sharp wit and profound tenderness, Guatemalan Rhapsody offers a kaleidoscopic portrait of an ever-changing country, the people who claim it as home, and those who no longer do

Ranging from a custodian at an underfunded college to a medicine man living in a temple dedicated to San Simon, the patron saint of alcohol and cigarettes, the characters in these stories find themselves at defining moments in their lives, where sacrifices may be required of them, by them, or for them.

In “Saint Dismas,” four orphaned brothers pose as part of a construction crew, stopping cars along the highway and robbing anyone foolish enough to hit the brakes. In “Heart Sleeves,” two wannabe tattoo artists take part in a contest, where one of them hopes to win not only first place but also the heart of his best friend’s girlfriend. And, in “Fight Sounds,” a character who fancies himself a Don Juan is swept up in the commotion of an American film crew shooting a movie in his tiny town, until the economic and sexual politics of the place are turned on their head.

Across this collection, Lemus’s characters test their loyalty to family, community, and country, illuminating the ties that both connect us and constrain us. Guatemalan Rhapsody explores how we journey from the circumstances that we are forged by, and whether the ability to change our fortunes lies in our own hands or in those of another. Revealing the places where beauty, desperation, love, violence, and hope exist simultaneously, Jared Lemus’s debut establishes him as a major new voice in the form.

About the Author

Jared Lemus is the author of Guatemalan Rhapsody, winner of the PEN Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Story, and elsewhere. He holds an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

In business online since 1998, Paradou Books offers primarily contemporary literature and art books, as well as works of visual art.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Paradou Books
VA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

ALL ITEMS: subject to prior sale. VIRGINIA RESIDENTS: we must add 4.3% sales tax.

Shipping Terms

DOMESTIC SHIPPING: Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or over-sized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. We reserve the right to charge you for insurance when appropriate. OVERSEAS SHIPPING: rates will vary. Please e-mail us for an exact quote. RETURNS: We will accept returns on a discretionary basis providing the buyer contacts us within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.. Buyer will be responsible for return shipping, unless return is due to seller error. While we make every effort to describe books accurately, we cannot note every defect. If you have particular concerns about owner inscriptions, remainder marks, price-clipped dj covers, etc., please e-mail us prior to sale.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.95	US$ 8.79

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.