A collection of short stories set in a small Mexican-American community in southern Texas during the 1940s and 1950s, revealing the traditions, love, and social concerns of the families living there.

The Chávez family: Tia Pina and the Chupasangre, The dancing queens of Garrapata Road, The whistle, The gift of tranquilino trujillo, Chatita's night out -- The Bermúdez family: Her brother's keeper, La Tamalada, The virgin and doña fidelfa -- The Zambrano family -- The Zambrano family: A reluctant scholar, The battle of the blackbirds -- The Paloma family: Crazy Rita, The prisoner, A fork in the road.