Strange Encounters and Social Commentary
Subtle Invasion
The Hostel Punta Marina in Tossa de Mar is at the center of this story. The narrator attempts to convince a skeptical man that Catalan is not Japanese. This man harbors a phobia of invasions, particularly by the Japanese. The story concludes with the ironic observation that cultural “invasions,” like so-called “Japanese” restaurants, are difficult to avoid.
A Buttonhole to Infinity
Ramirez-Guardunha and Nakamura, of Portuguese and Catalan descent respectively, believe they’ve discovered the fourth dimension. They construct a model using tubes and plastic bottles. Initially, their friends are skeptical. However, after Ramirez, advised by the narrator, sells the invention, the friends start to believe it might be real. Then, Adona, a model photographed with the invention, mysteriously disappears. Ramirez, fearing consequences, destroys the model. Haunted by guilt, he marries Adona’s mentally unstable younger sister to support her family. Later, Ramirez rebuilds the model, and his physicist friend, Comajustans, desires it for nefarious purposes.
Best Friend
A mushroom hunter encounters an alien in the forest. Unafraid, the hunter converses with the “sexòfor,” who reveals its formless nature and the existence of many others disguised as humans. The alien possesses a language translator, allowing it to speak Catalan. A farmer with a shotgun appears, scaring the alien, who then receives a signal to depart. The alien cryptically warns the hunter about societal concerns and the dangers of conformity. The hunter, recounting the story to a police officer, realizes the aliens’ secret fear: dogs.
We Two
A man spends his weekend contemplating the duality of mind and body. His conscience, a critical inner voice, constantly berates him. He attempts to separate from his conscience using a magical door, but realizes he needs the connection, however bothersome. The story ends with the man’s acceptance of this internal struggle.
No Pets in Heaven
A wealthy acquaintance of the narrator builds an elaborate tomb for himself, intending to take his possessions with him in the afterlife. He asks the narrator and his cousin to seal the tomb after his death. Later, the deceased man calls the narrator, complaining about not being allowed to bring his record players to heaven. The narrator advises him to be quiet and hold his breath (to ascend), highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
A Testament to Hien
“The Hyena” is imprisoned for murdering a delegate. He reflects on his nickname, earned through hardship, and realizes its notoriety will only grow within prison walls.
Zero to Malthus
In 1995 Barcelona, a serum grants eternal health but not eternal youth. Overpopulation leads to euthanasia for those over 75 deemed unimportant to history. Uncle Valentine tries to prove his significance but ultimately accepts his fate. The story questions the ethics of this dystopian society.
Waiting
A ghost in limbo is told that his earthly existence, especially family, is meaningless. He is advised to adapt to his new spectral status and be grateful he’s not a vampire, given his family history.
Vinci’s Attestation
Cousin Amelia, prone to illness, is killed by a vampire. The mayor tasks her family with preventing her from becoming a vampire. Following advice, they stake her heart. The narrator, who performs the act, feels no guilt.
The Battle of Cinco de Mayo
The village of Santa Rita de Mayo reenacts the Battle of Puebla. The “French” actors are well-fed, while the “Mexican” actors starve. A love triangle adds intrigue. Despite the French winning the reenactment, the Mexican general wins the affection of his beloved.
The Rebellion of Things
Everyday objects revolt, ceasing to function. Society collapses, and people flee to nature. Moral laws are abandoned. The story ends with a boy’s failed attempt to control a rebellious machine.
Sport and Citizenship
A national soccer team is losing until a foreign player scores three goals, securing victory. The story discusses the role of foreign players and the state’s influence on sports.
Missing Home
Joanet wants to bring the moon into his room using mirrors. His father initially disapproves but is eventually persuaded. The moon’s reflection in a water-filled bowl becomes a symbol of their rekindled bond.
Noah’s Ark
Four boys with unusual surnames form an exclusive group. As the group grows, its standards lower, eventually accepting everyone except three. The group, initially called “Noah’s Ark,” disbands.
Filomena Ustrell (1916-1962)
Filomena, orphaned at a young age, marries a man who kills her mother. She later kills him. Her son, bullied at school, becomes a feared fighter thanks to his mother’s training. He finds success in football, crediting his mother for his achievements.
Overseas Refinements
The shilayo, a creature consumed raw, is part of a complex culinary ritual. The narrator describes the process, including the use of nose plugs to block the creature’s odor. The narrator laments the potential extinction of this tradition.
Consumed Society
Nose rings become a mandatory fashion accessory. Uncle Oleguer starts making them to address shortages and quality issues. The story satirizes consumerism and societal pressures.