Things We Lost in the Fire summary

Exploring the Dark Side of Society

In Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enriquez, we are taken on a journey through the dark underbelly of contemporary Argentina. The collection of short stories begins with The Dirty Kid, where we are introduced to a young boy who is obsessed with the city's sewers. His fascination with the filth and decay of the underground world mirrors the societal decay and corruption that Enriquez is about to explore.

In The Inn, we are introduced to a group of young friends who are addicted to a drug that makes them feel invincible. They spend their days in an abandoned inn, indulging in their addiction, and their nights in the city, where they are confronted with the harsh realities of life. This story serves as a stark reminder of the impact of poverty and inequality on the youth of Argentina.

Exploring the Supernatural

As the collection progresses, Enriquez introduces us to the supernatural. In Adela's House, we meet a woman who is convinced that her house is haunted by the ghost of a young girl. The story serves as a commentary on the impact of Argentina's dark history, including the military dictatorship and the thousands of desaparecidos, on its people.

In Under the Black Water, we are taken to a small town where the river is believed to be cursed. The story explores the impact of superstition and fear on the lives of the town's inhabitants. Enriquez uses the supernatural elements in these stories to highlight the very real horrors that people face in their everyday lives.

Exploring the Impact of Violence

Violence is a recurring theme in Things We Lost in the Fire. In Spiderweb, we meet a woman who is obsessed with the violent crimes committed by a young boy. She becomes convinced that the boy is possessed by a demon and sets out to exorcise him. The story serves as a chilling exploration of the impact of violence on the human psyche.

In Green Red Orange, we are introduced to a group of women who set themselves on fire in protest against domestic violence. The story serves as a powerful commentary on the prevalence of gender-based violence in Argentina and the extreme measures that women are forced to take in order to be heard.

Exploring the Human Condition

Despite the darkness that permeates the collection, Enriquez also explores the resilience of the human spirit. In Things We Lost in the Fire, we meet characters who, despite facing unimaginable horrors, continue to fight for survival. The collection ends with the title story, where a woman sets out to collect the teeth of the city's dead in order to create a monument to the forgotten.

In conclusion, Things We Lost in the Fire is a haunting and powerful collection that explores the impact of societal decay, violence, and the supernatural on the lives of ordinary people. Enriquez's unflinching portrayal of the dark side of Argentina serves as a stark reminder of the very real horrors that people face in their everyday lives.