Bielsa's exploration of the crónica—a unique genre in Latin American culture - both literature and commentary on everyday life—is outstanding. Her lucid description of crónica writers, in particular of how Martillo and Perez Cruz lend a voice to the hidden histories of the cities of Guayquil and Mexico city is beautifully interwoven with a thorough and illuminating analysis of the rich heterogeneity of Latin American culture. This book will appeal to all those interested in the unique mixture of cultures and identities in Latin America.