"Where the Air Is Clear" by Carlos Fuentes presents a vivid panorama of post-revolutionary Mexico City as seen through the lives of its diverse inhabitants. The novel delves into the social, political, and cultural dynamics shaping the city during the 1940s and 1950s. At the heart of the narrative is Ixca Cienfuegos, a character deeply rooted in Aztec mythology, seeking to reclaim Mexico's ancient past.

Ixca and Gladys Garcia

Fuentes paints a complex portrait of Mexico City through interconnected character sketches, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with its revolutionary aftermath. The characters are portrayed as deities in a cosmic struggle for control over Mexico. Central to this web is Ixca Cienfuegos, who dismisses the present and future, seeing value only in the past. He serves as a conduit for the Aztec gods, eager for revenge against the Spanish conquerors. According to Aztec myth, Ixca requires a blood sacrifice to resurrect the past and overthrow modern-day gods—the affluent and influential. However, he never crosses paths with Gladys Garcia, a prostitute and direct descendant of the Aztecs, who symbolizes an untouched connection to ancient lineage. Ixca navigates both the glamorous elites and the impoverished, searching for the ideal sacrifice.

Navel of the Moon

A lively party hosted by Bobo brings together the city's jet set, where intellectuals, artists, and social climbers intermingle. Amidst the revelry, old aristocrats seduce the young, and fashionable women barter "class for cash." In stark contrast, a cab driver celebrates a lucky gamble with his family, while an immigrant returns from California bearing unusable gifts for his family. At the party, Norma shatters Rodrigo's heart, while her husband Federico displays ruthless business practices. The narrative introduces lonely characters: Federico's mistress Hortensia, Rodrigo's mother Rosenda, and Rosa, the cab driver's wife, who tragically loses her husband to a car crash. Ixca observes the party with disdain, noting the transactional social interactions necessary for maintaining status. The following morning, he visits Rodrigo, who contemplates suicide amidst the decay of the de Ovandos family.

Ixca Shows the Lower Class

Federico Robles shares memories of rural hardship, priestly tutelage, and expulsion following a scandal with his niece. He recounts his revolutionary experiences and subsequent rise as a prosperous banker in a corrupt economy. Norma Larragoiti reflects on her impoverished origins, ascent to the city, and marital ambitions that secured her status but left her unfulfilled. As Part I concludes, Ixca and Rodrigo Pola retreat to a bar, where Rodrigo laments his intellectual crisis and recalls youthful ambitions, failed relationships, and the emptiness of his current existence.

Mother Wants a Sacrifice

Part II opens with an old man showing his grandson remnants of the pre-revolutionary City of Palaces. Federico muses over his sham marriage while observing Norma's preparation for another hollow social event. Amidst this, the elite clash with a Serbian prince during a gathering, escalating into a bizarre confrontation over "trade versus tradition." Natasha engages Rodrigo in a conversation about Mexico's marginalization. Ixca learns of Federico's shady dealings from Librado Ibarra, a former revolutionary turned capitalist. Ixca's search for pre-revolution memories takes him to the lower rungs of society, where he receives a cool reception. Meanwhile, Gabriel enjoys a night of bullfighting, bars, and brothels. Ixca visits his mother, Teodula, who is resigned to death and demands a sacrifice. They perform familial death rituals together.

Ixca Attempts to Select a Sacrifice

Ixca visits Rodrigo's mother, Rosenda, who reminisces about her marriage, widowhood, and ensuing hardship before passing away, longing for her son. Ixca oversees her funeral and sends Teodula to inform Rodrigo, who brushes her off. Rodrigo writes of his...