Written with compassionate realism and wit, the stories in this collection depict the disparities of town and village life in South America, of the frightfully poor and outrageously rich, of memories and illusions, and of lost opportunities and present joys.

Contents:                

No one writes to the colonel -- Big Mama's funeral -- Tuesday siesta -- One of these days -- There are no thieves in this town -- Balthazar's marvelous afternoon -- Montiel's widow -- One day after Saturday -- Artificial roses -- Big Mama's funeral.