The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

From the outset of his story, Arturo, the narrator, reveals the many ways in which his lively family is a community unto itself. Because the Zamoras have their own apartment complex, Arturo lives not only with his parents, but also with aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, and Abuela. As Arturo notes, “There was a Zamora in every unit […]” (15). The entire family also works at their popular restaurant, contributing their individual talents to keep the operation running smoothly: Cari is the head chef; Robert, Arturo’s father, provides customer service; Uncle Carlos, an accountant, maintains the books; and Arturo and his various cousins wash dishes or wait on tables.

The Zamoras don’t just work together, however; they are deeply connected through Abuela’s all-encompassing love and by a culture that finds expression in the traditional Cuban foods they share. Arturo’s poem memorializing Abuela captures how her practice of love unites his family. Using the device of apostrophe, he addresses Abuela: “You nurture and teach. / You bring hope when hope is lost. / Your journey prepared us for our journey beyond” (225). Abuela’s family shares her teachings and her history, and these will inform their journey beyond. Her love, which nurtures and offers hope, epitomizes José Martí’s understanding of love as a source of “peace” (89) and encouragement.