Alicia lives in an old house full of secrets, the biggest being the mysterious disappearance of her mother. With the help of her best friend Vele and her grandmother Abu, who holds crucial documents and journals, Alicia embarks on a challenging journey to uncover the truth and learn to live with it.

Clarice Lispector, a Brazilian author of Jewish origin, remains an enigmatic figure in literature. Born in Ukraine in 1920 and passing away in Rio de Janeiro in 1977, her life and works are shrouded in mystery. Benjamin Moser's biography, published by Ediciones Siruela, delves into her immigrant background, personal struggles, and literary achievements. Lispector's unique perspective as a poor immigrant influenced her writing, which often reflects a sense of alienation. Despite personal tragedies, including her mother's death and her son's mental illness, she made significant contributions to literature, with works like 'Cerca del corazón salvaje' earning critical acclaim.

Elena Ferrante, an acclaimed Italian author known for her anonymity, gained international fame with her Neapolitan Novels. Despite her success, she remains committed to her privacy, refusing public appearances and interviews. Her editors, Sandra Ozzola and Sandro Ferri, have supported her decision. Ferrante's work, including 'La frantumaglia,' reveals her passion for writing and her belief in the autonomy of literature. Her stance on anonymity and the nature of literature is explored through various interviews and correspondences.

The article is an excerpt from Sergio Pitol's book 'The Journey,' reflecting on his experiences in Moscow and the cultural shifts he observed. It delves into the eccentricities of Russian culture, the impact of historical figures, and the changes in the film industry. Pitol recounts personal anecdotes, including interactions with notable figures like Kyrim Kostakovski and Viktor Shklovsky, and discusses the significance of eccentricity in literature and society. The narrative also touches on the broader implications of cultural and political transformations in Russia.

The article highlights the creation and impact of the Movimiento en Resistencia Contra las Agresiones Oculares del Escuadrón Móvil Antidisturbios (MOCAO) in Colombia, formed in response to police brutality by the ESMAD. It features personal testimonies from victims of ocular trauma, detailing their experiences and the physical and emotional toll of the violence. The text underscores the hope placed in the new government led by President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez Mina for human rights reforms. MOCAO's goals include seeking justice, visibility, and systemic change to prevent future abuses.

The article explores the complexities of female friendship through the lens of literature, focusing on Elena Ferrante's saga 'Dos amigas' and Jazmina Barrera's 'Punto de cruz.' It delves into how these works depict the intricate relationships between women, marked by rivalry, support, and shared experiences. The narrative highlights the role of writing and weaving as metaphors for these friendships, emphasizing the importance of collective female voices in literature. The text also references various historical and literary contexts to underscore the enduring significance of women's contributions to storytelling.

Francia Márquez, the vice-presidential candidate for Colombia's center-left coalition Pacto Histórico, discusses her political principles and ideals in an interview. She has faced death threats and racist attacks but remains committed to her environmental activism, recognized by awards such as the National Human Rights Defense Award and the Goldman Environmental Prize. Márquez emphasizes the importance of environmental defense, women's rights, and social justice. Senator Alexander López provides context on Colombia's societal anger due to a history of violence and social leader assassinations. Márquez, along with journalists from Mexico and the United States, hopes for a peaceful and democratic election, advocating for a change in the exploitative economic model and a life of dignity and freedom for Colombians.

Francia Márquez Mina, a black woman and environmental activist, is on the verge of becoming Colombia's first black vice president alongside presidential candidate Gustavo Petro. Their campaign, representing the left-wing coalition Pacto Histórico, focuses on social and gender justice and environmental protection. Despite facing death threats, Márquez remains committed to transforming Colombia's extractivist economic model and advocating for collective well-being. The article highlights the excitement and challenges surrounding their historic candidacy in a country with a deep-seated history of racism and violence.

Delphine de Vigan's novel 'The Gratitudes' explores the human condition through the story of Michka, an elderly woman suffering from aphasia, and her relationship with Marie, who saved her from an alcoholic mother as a child. The novel, published by Anagrama in 2021 and translated by Pablo Martín, delves into themes of aging, the loss of independence, and the importance of human connection. It contrasts Michka's compassionate nature with the aggressive behavior of Lucile, a character from de Vigan's previous work, and reflects on the inevitability of death and the dignity of facing it.

Javier Marías, a prominent Spanish writer, translator, and essayist, passed away, leaving a significant impact on Spanish literature. Known for his novels and literary contributions, Marías also faced criticism for his controversial views on feminism, particularly his comments on the #MeToo movement. While some defended him, many criticized his statements as misogynistic. Despite his contentious opinions, Marías' literary work remains highly regarded. The article reflects on his dual legacy as a celebrated author and a polarizing journalist.

Debanhi Escobar has been missing for over a week, last seen on a dangerous highway in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Her disappearance adds to the alarming number of women who have vanished in the state and across the country in 2022. The article reflects on the broader issue of disappearances in Mexico, criticizing the government's failure to address the crisis and highlighting the pain of families searching for their loved ones. The author, Irma Gallo, contemplates the dire situation and the personal dilemma of whether to migrate for a better life, while empathizing with the mothers of the missing.

The article reflects on the themes of grief and loss as explored by author Joan Didion in her works 'The Year of Magical Thinking' and 'Blue Nights', following the deaths of her husband and daughter. It draws parallels between Didion's personal experiences and the collective mourning for the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the emotional challenges faced by those who have lost loved ones. The piece also discusses the role of writing as a form of solace and the stark reality of the pandemic's death toll in Mexico, emphasizing the difficulty of comprehending the full impact of such widespread loss.

Irma Gallo interviews Rosa Beltrán, one of the most important Mexican writers who is also a member of the Mexican Academy of Language.

Irma Gallo interviews Cristina Rivera Garza, Sylvia Aguilar-Zéleny, and Hilda Sotelo about Susana Chávez Castillo and her poetry collection 'Primera Tormenta,' the first book published by Canal Press of the University of Houston.

María Luisa Bombal, a pioneering Chilean writer, defied societal norms by openly discussing female sexual desire in her works, notably in her novel 'La amortajada'. The article explores Bombal's passionate life, her tumultuous relationships, and her literary achievements, highlighting her boldness in blending realism with the supernatural. Despite facing personal and societal challenges, Bombal's fervent love and experiences fueled her creative output, leaving a lasting impact on literature.

Alondra de la Parra, a Mexican conductor, initiated 'La Orquesta Imposible' project to support women and children affected by domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual orchestra, comprising 30 musicians from 14 countries, performed Arturo Márquez's 'Danzón No. 2'. The project, which premiered virtually on August 25, 2020, raised funds through donations for Save The Children México and Fondo Semillas. The event was broadcasted live on YouTube by the Latin Grammy channel and on orquestaimposible.com. De la Parra, who has a rich family background in the arts, is dedicated to her country and to making a difference through music.

Ipstori is a mobile app offering brief stories that can be read or listened to in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for those with limited time. The app, which recently appointed Paola Tinoco García as its editorial director, features a diverse range of stories from various countries and authors of different ages and backgrounds. Despite the challenges posed by the quarantine, Ipstori has seen a significant increase in registered users and continues to provide new content daily. The app aims to maintain and grow its user base by offering high-quality stories and engaging activities.

Mónica Ojeda's novels 'Mandíbula' and 'Nefando', published by Almadía, explore extreme experiences and liminal states through characters such as Annelise and Fernanda, two high-class teenagers attending an Opus Dei school who engage in a strange cult and sadomasochistic exploration. 'Nefando' is set in Barcelona and follows six millennial roommates, including the Terán siblings who were abused as children and seek revenge through a cult video game featuring their abuse. Ojeda's work delves into themes of incest, pedophilia, and child pornography, with the deep web playing a significant role in the narrative. Her writing is noted for its poetic and musical quality, despite the abject nature of the events described.

The 33rd edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) emphasizes gender issues, with a commitment to respecting women's rights and addressing gender violence. The event will feature a protocol for victims of gender violence and honor individuals and institutions protecting women's rights. The literary program includes notable figures such as David Huerta, Luisa Valenzuela, Annie Ernaux, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Siri Hustvedt. India, the guest of honor, will showcase its cultural diversity through literature, music, and dance. Despite initial concerns, the Fondo de Cultura Económica will maintain its presence at the fair.

Juan Villoro, a Mexican novelist and journalist, discusses his deep connection to Mexico City, despite having lived abroad. His latest book, 'El vértigo horizontal,' explores the city's multifaceted nature through autobiographical essays and chronicles. Villoro reflects on the city's transformation from a sprawling horizontal expanse to a more vertical, densely populated area. He shares personal anecdotes, including his childhood experiences and family history, to illustrate his intimate relationship with the city.

The article is a reflective review of Erika L. Sánchez's book 'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,' drawing parallels between the author's personal experiences and those of the book's protagonist, Julia. It explores themes of Mexican identity, cultural heritage, and the immigrant experience, highlighting the authenticity and depth of Sánchez's writing. The review also touches on broader cultural references and the significance of literature in understanding and expressing one's identity.

A reflective poem translated by Tanya Huntington, capturing nostalgic moments and vivid imagery of places like Coyoacán, Galapagos, and Alexandria. The poem intertwines personal memories with evocative descriptions of the environment, creating a rich tapestry of past experiences and imagined landscapes.

Emmanuel Carrère, a French writer and journalist, is known for his mastery in non-fiction, particularly highlighted by his work 'El adversario' which explores the life of murderer Jean-Claude Romand. Carrère's storytelling prowess is also evident in 'El reino' and his compilation of journalistic texts 'Conviene tener un sitio adonde ir.' His career achievements include receiving the FIL Literature Award in Romance Languages at the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Carrère's personal journey, from his conversion to Catholicism to his disenchantment, is interwoven with his professional narrative, showcasing his evolution as a writer and journalist.

Karl Ove Knausgård's autobiographical series 'Mi lucha' has become a bestseller since its first volume 'La muerte del padre' was published in 2009. The series, which spans six volumes and approximately 3,600 pages, details Knausgård's life with raw honesty and has been translated into 20 languages, selling half a million copies in Norway alone. The narrative explores his complex relationships, personal struggles, and career as a writer, resonating with readers through its detailed portrayal of everyday life and personal darkness. The success of the series is attributed to its relatable content and the author's unflinching self-examination.

Virginie Despentes' novel Vernon Subutex 1 explores the themes of generational displacement and societal decline through the story of Vernon Subutex, a former record store owner who becomes homeless. The novel is part of a trilogy that delves into the struggles of a generation that feels out of place in the modern world. Despentes, known for her provocative and subversive writing, creates a vivid and relatable character in Vernon, capturing the essence of a bygone era.