Delve

In Javier Fuentes’ 2007 novel “Countries of Origin,” Demetrio, a renowned pastry chef in New York, faces a pivotal decision due to his undocumented immigrant status: whether to leave his job or not. Opting for a prestigious role, he chooses to return to his homeland, leaving behind his sole family, Uncle Chus. During his journey, a chance encounter with Jacobo, a NYU student on his way to his aristocratic Spanish family, sparks an unspoken but profound connection. Set against the backdrop of Madrid, their understated yet profound relationship unfolds as they navigate questions of identity, sexuality, and societal divides. Following a family tragedy, their paths cross again, compelling them to confront both their feelings and histories. The novel artfully delves into themes of identity, love, and belonging in the context of two disparate worlds.
–The New York Time Book Review