A review by nordstina
The Consequences: Stories by Manuel Muñoz

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

The short story collection was moved up my to read list when I read that it was a finalist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize, and I really enjoyed it. Manuel Muñoz's collection focuses on the Fresno area of California's Central Valley, known for it's plethora of produce, and seasonal laborers frequently crossing the border from Mexico. I appreciate the diversity of characters- we meet Mexican and American-born individuals, queer and straight, and in a variety of stages of life. As with many short story collections, some were more resonant than others. Two particular stories I enjoyed included highlighting two women (one new, one experienced) riding a bus to Southern California to pick up the men in their lives who had been rounded up by immigration and the final story of the collection about a young woman understanding her younger brother's need to get out of their small town, but he finds himself in challenging situations. I appreciated the diversity of characters highlighted with the overarching location tying them together,