The Faraway World

Stories

By: Patricia Engel

Narrated by: Gisela Chipé, Frankie Corzo, Inés del Castillo, Cynthia Farrell, Dominique Franceschi, George Newbern, Anthony Rey Perez, Aida Reluzco, Alejandra Reynoso, Gary Tiedemann, Patricia Engel

A New York Times Editors’ Choice * One of The Washington Post’s 50 Notable Works of Fiction of 2023 * One of Chicago Public Library’s Favorite Books of the Year * A LitHub Best Book of 2023

From the author of Infinite Country—a New York Times bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick—comes a “rich and compelling” (The Washington Post) collection of ten exquisite, award-winning short stories set across the Americas and linked by themes of migration, sacrifice, and moral compromise.

Two Colombian expats meet as strangers on the rainy streets of New York City, both burdened with traumatic pasts. In Cuba, a woman discovers her deceased brother’s bones have been stolen, and the love of her life returns from Ecuador for a one-night visit. A cash-strapped couple hustles in Miami, to life-altering ends.

“If you’re looking for a collection that will touch your heart and make you look at your fellow humans more generously, this one’s a can’t-miss” (Good Housekeeping). Author Patricia Engel is “a wonder” (Lauren Groff) and these intimate and panoramic stories bring to life the liminality of regret, the vibrancy of community, and the epic deeds and quiet moments of love.

Critic reviews

"The author and an all-star ensemble of narrators perform this dazzling short story collection from Colombian American writer Patricia Engel. Each piece is performed by a different narrator, providing a unique voice for every story. In “Aida,” Inés del Castillo’s narration evokes the grief of a family whose daughter goes missing. Aida Reluzco keeps listeners spellbound with her performance of “Guapa,” in which a Colombian immigrant often flies home for plastic surgery. Alejandra Reynoso perfectly embodies the voice of the protagonist of “Fausto,” in which a young woman must decide between a life of crime with her beloved or staying with her father, who has been her whole world. Every story is a stunning gem, each perfectly crafted and expertly performed."

Loved this book

This book really took me to far away worlds. Worlds I am unfamiliar with. It filled me with enchantment. I especially loved the stories set in Cuba that showed the ability of humans to adapt to unusual places and circumstances with such ingenuity.

A beautiful journey of stories

Memorable, deep, and touching. A wonderful read 12 years in the making. Would read again

Intriguing

Felt like I got invited to have a sneak peak into lives of people who come from Cuba, Colombia etc to the States for various reasons. It was incredible to listen to all the different narrators for each of the stories.

Extraordinary writing

Her stories and characters are not only gripping, but will make you think more broadly and deeply about the world we live in