Lanterna Rally

Author: Alberto Arcia

Publisher: Arte Publico Press

Published: 2009-09-30

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 161192104X

Alex Perez is an aspiring writer living with his girlfriend Ramona, who feeds him, washes and irons his clothes, and gives him nice and useful gifts. All that is expected of him in return is to satisfy her unquenchable sexual urges. Her mother Charlene is paying RamonaÍs bills until she graduates from college, and she thinks Alex is a free loader. HeÍs horrified when Charlene gives him an ultimatum: ñYou either marry her or I wonÍt put out another dime.î Quick thinker that he is, Alex negotiates a dowry: CharleneÍs Mercedes Benz convertible and an all-expense-paid road trip to Panama so he can marry Ramona in the presence of his beloved mother. Soon the deal is sealed and Alex finds himself headed down the Pan American Highway with his fianc?e and„much to his dismay„his future mother-in-law. Armed with maps and an assortment of emergency rations, Alex is determined to postpone their arrival in Panama and his impending nuptials. The unlikely trio has just crossed the border when two Mexican street urchins, Junior (Jaime Buffet, Jr.) and his brother Raul, join the group. And before they know it, AlexÍs delaying tactics lead the motley crew into a series of dodgy and often perilous situations frequently involving pistol-waving bandits and corrupt government officials. But itÍs their efforts to free CharleneÍs lover„a defrocked Guatemalan priest„from jail that leads to an even more twisted turn of events! Their travels through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala introduce them to a slew of colorful characters, including a drunken boat captain and his blind first mate, and a Guatemalan police officer, who owns several whorehouses. Featuring a roguish protagonist with a distinct, humorous voice, Cut & Run: The Misadventures of Alex Perez is a satirical take on the clash of cultures between north and south of the U.S. border.