Super Short Summary

The People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia follows Federico de la Fe and his daughter Little Merced who, after being abandoned by his wife Merced, move from Mexico to El Monte, California. Federico battles melancholy by burning his skin and wages war against an omniscient force named Saturn, who is revealed to be the novel's author. Employing magical realism and experimental typography, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the relationship between creator and creation. The book includes instances of self-harm, suicide, and addiction, with some coarse language.