After the death of Aunt Celia, the Palacio family realises that she made a deal with a gangster, Ugly, and they are now indebted to him. The Palacios are undocumented Venezuelans living in Trinidad which makes their situation that more difficult.
This book triggers a range of emotions. There are many sensitive issues including, illegal immigration, alcoholism and others situated around sexual relations. The book is written in a comedic way and told from the perspective of 24 yo Yola, so if one is sensitive or lacks a sense of humour this may not be the book for you.