By: Teresa Roca

Katherine Vaz’s “Our Lady of the Artichokes” is a collection of intriguing and complex short stories. In each story, Vaz is able to capture the emotions of each main character, allowing readers to understand and learn all aspects of each character’s life throughout the years.

I found it interesting how most of the characters experience tragedy, such as death, poverty or divorce. Each character carries with them the pain many of us go through in our lives. This aspect is my favorite part of the collection, the fact that we all suffer through hardships in life, allowing each and every one of us to relate to these strong characters. What is remarkable is how many of them still believe in their religion, using this belief as a way to get through their struggles. In a world where religion is becoming less and less practiced, it is nice to see this collection of people continue to believe in faith despite their hardships.

I enjoyed “My Bones Here Are Waiting for Yours” the most. I thought Vaz did a good job of incorporating mystery into this story. Towards the end of the novel, I became so attached to both Delilah and Mary that I kept hoping we would finally discover why Delilah was found dead, and if Mary moved on. I found the symbols of the charms a beautiful touch. This evokes the mother’s emotions even more, as she hopes to find the final pieces of her daughter. I enjoyed the flashbacks, and how Vaz turned this story into one where we learn about both characters and their relationship, as opposed to just hearing of the mother’s thoughts 17 years after her daughter’s death.

Another story I enjoyed was “All Riptides Roar with Sand from Opposing Shores.” I enjoyed reading Lara’s letters and watching her mature through each one. In these letters, we learn of her childhood, the death of her father, the abandonment of her mother, her divorce and more. Through all of this, she continues to write to Lucia, even though she never receives a letter back. I thought having the story written in the form of letters was a successful way for the reader to learn about this character’s life, while seeing her belief in faith.

All in all, I enjoyed this collection of short stories. The writing allowed me to feel the emotions of each character throughout the story and after. I have not went through the hardships many of these characters faced. However, I am able to understand the experiences and emotions of each character through Vaz’s impactful and memorable writing.