COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN, written by Javier Fuentes, is a powerful debut novel that delves into the harsh realities faced by immigrants in the United States. The protagonist, Demetrio, discovers that he is undocumented while on a trip to Niagara Falls. The shame of his legal status continues to haunt him, even as he becomes a successful pastry chef and fully embraces his sexuality. However, when he applies for a new job at the Four Seasons, he discovers that his citizenship status is standing in the way of his success.
Desperate to avoid deportation, Demetrio returns to his home country of Spain. On the flight, he becomes friends with Jacobo, an attractive young gay man with social connections and extraordinary generosity. With Jacobo’s help, Demetrio is able to open the doors to new opportunities, including a dream job. However, his past experiences have left him jaded, and he struggles to trust the new world that is opening up around him.
Fuentes weaves the political issue of immigration into the fabric of his novel with incredible skill. He manages to balance his message with the details that make his characters feel real. Demetrio’s love for his uncle, his fidelity in his relationships, and his passion for pastry all come together to create a character that is both relatable and complex. The little pleasures that Fuentes includes in his novel, such as Jacobo speaking baby talk to stray dogs or the sensual joy of working as a pastry chef, add a depth to the story that is both heartwarming and poignant.
Despite the challenges that Demetrio faces, there are moments of peace and wonderment that remind us that there is more to life than just our struggles. Even in the darkest of moments, we are given opportunities to step outside of our boundaries and experience the world in a new way. “Countries of Origin” does just that, leaving readers with a sense of expansion and hope for a world that is more forgiving.
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN by Javier Fuentes is a 294-page novel published by Pantheon and is available for $27.
