Ajijic, is a lakefront town and the site where many waters converge. In its picturesque streets, the original inhabitants of the town intermingle with the expats, the community of Lakesiders who have chosen to make this town their retirement destination. In much the same way, on a bookcase in any bookstore, like La Renga, the voices of hundreds of authors come together, and here they are read and discussed at the La Colmena cafe, as a soundtrack punctuates the narration: Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, The Pogues, U2, José Alfredo Jiménez, "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen, and a host of songs enliven the reading.In this landscape, painted (and sung) by the author, lives Bob, a character that stands out of from the norm with his brown skin and dog-blue eyes. Bob lives in the anguish of yearning to know his origins, of pursuing the lost part of the double-root of his life. Taciturn by nature, Bob spends his days secluded at home, going out only to stock up on books and readings that multiply his melancholy. This is how he spends his days, his years, until a conversation with Sugar and Niagara (two cheerful Lakesiders) makes him decide to face his destiny and leave for New York.

Patricio Fernández Cortina (Mexico City, 1972) has lived in Guadalajara since 1978, where he studied law at the Universidad Panamericana.

Part one. Ajijic Chapter I. The Arrival Chapter II. La Renga Chapter III. The Mysterious Visitor of La Renga Chapter IV. The Book Chapter V. The Gathering Chapter VI. Bob Chapter VII. Henry and Magdalena. Chapter VIII. The Donation Chapter IX. Catherine.. Chapter X. Ithaca Chapter XI. La Bodega Chapter XII. The Petition Chapter XIII. La Cristianía Chapter XIV. The Letter SECOND PART. New York Chapter I. The Trip Chapter II. New York Chapter III. The Spying Son Chapter IV. The Encounter Chapter V. Henry Hermes de Thieme Chapter VI. The News Chapter VII. We Take Manhattan Chapter VIII. The Proclamation of Gramercy THIRD PART. The Lake Chapter I. The Dinner Chapter II. The Final Ceremony