The Sons of El Rey

By: Alex Espinoza

Narrated by: Gisela Chípe, Tony Chiroldes, Lee Osorio, André Santana

A “masterful…mesmerizing and unflinching” (Patricia Engel, New York Times bestselling author) story about a multigenerational family of luchadores contending with forbidden love and secrets in Mexico City, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Ernesto Vega has lived many lives, from pig farmer to construction worker to famed luchador El Rey Coyote, yet he has always worn a mask. He was discovered by a local lucha libre trainer at a time when luchadores—Mexican wrestlers donning flamboyant masks and capes—were treated as daredevils or rock stars. Ernesto found fame, rapidly gaining name recognition across Mexico, but at great expense, nearly costing him his marriage to his wife Elena.

Years later, in East Los Angeles, his son, Freddy Vega, is struggling to save his father’s gym while Freddy’s own son, Julian, is searching for professional and romantic fulfillment as a Mexican American gay man refusing to be defined by stereotypes.

With alternating perspectives, Ernesto and Elena take us from the ranches of Michoacán to the makeshift colonias of Mexico City. Freddy describes his life in the suburban streets of 1980s Los Angeles and the community their family built, as Julian descends deep into our present-day culture of hook-up apps, lucha burlesque shows, and the dark underbelly of West Hollywood. The Sons of El Rey is an “epic and transporting novel” (Alejandro Varela, National Book Award finalist and author of The Town of Babylon) of a family wading against time, legacy, and generational trauma, yet always choosing the fight.

Critic reviews

"Narrators Gisela Chípe, Tony Chiroldes, Lee Osorio, and André Santana bring depth and authenticity to their characters. Chípe's portrayal of Elena resonates with strength and resilience, capturing the matriarch's unwavering determination. Chiroldes masterfully navigates Ernesto's journey, balancing his public persona as El Rey Coyote with his private struggles. Osorio skillfully embodies Freddy's inner conflict and quest for authenticity, while Santana brings Julian's emotional complexity to life, especially in his search for acceptance as a gay Mexican American. Their nuanced performances enrich Espinoza's poignant narrative, making this audiobook a captivating exploration of heritage, identity, and familial bonds."

Engaging and Emotional

Great story. Love the writing structure. Past, present, future interwoven as we listen to three different generations.

Love the character development and the lucha libre history.

Excellent read.

Must read for lucha libre lovers

Although there’s certain stylistic and storyline parts that I don’t love, I think that the work is pretty brilliant for lucha libre literature and LGBTQ+ narrative

A Nontraditional story of a very traditional family.

This is a beautiful multi generational story told through the perspective and experiences of each character.

Boring drama at its finest

This was extremely hard to choke down but I had committed to it. I would definitely not recommend to anyone.