The Fallen

In Carlos Manuel Álvarez's debut novel, "The Fallen," a Cuban family grapples with their tumultuous realities against a backdrop of societal decline. Diego confronts the frustrations of compulsory military service, while his mother, Mariana, faces health issues that disrupt her role in the family, leaving her daughter Maria, a chambermaid, to take charge. As the committed revolutionary father, Armando, wrestles with widespread corruption, each family member narrates their intertwined but increasingly discordant experiences, revealing hidden secrets and the stark contrast between old ideals and youthful disillusionment. This poignant exploration reflects the complexities of contemporary Cuba and the struggles within a fractured family unit.