The Fish Child

Summary

In Lucía Puenzo’s novel "The Fish Child," the fragility of youth intertwines with the dark secrets of the adult world. Lala, a girl from a wealthy Argentine family, falls in love with Guayi, a young Paraguayan maid, and their feelings blossom amid hidden passions and stark social contrasts. When tragedy strikes Lala’s home, the girls are forced to flee, escaping pursuit in hopes of realizing their dream of freedom. Their journey leads them to Lake Ypacaraí, where, according to legend, the mysterious fish child lives—a symbol of hope and lost childhood. Along the way, the heroines face betrayal, fear, and their own vulnerability, while the lake’s waters become a mirror for their desires and anxieties. "The Fish Child" is a story of love, escape, and self-discovery, told with delicate lyricism and haunting depth.