A woodcutter named Yumi finds his life upended when he becomes possessed by the corn demon Tazol, initiating a series of surreal and transgressive events. Yumi, known as Mister Fly, navigates a world where the boundaries between human desire and occult forces dissolve. He faces the consequences of his pact with Tazol, which leads him to trade his wife, Niniloj, for wealth and enter into a volatile marriage with the Mulatta. The narrative operates through a blend of picaresque adventure and dark, folkloric satire, challenging the protagonist to maintain his agency against supernatural manipulation.

Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a significant example of the Latin American avant-garde, noting its dense, hallucinatory atmosphere. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to weave complex mythological motifs into a narrative that remains grounded in the harsh realities of its characters. Many highlight the book's provocative themes, which challenge conventional morality through the lens of the picaresque tradition. The pacing is described as an intense, disorienting experience that demands close attention to the shifting perspectives of the characters. Ultimately, the work is recognized for its linguistic inventiveness and its unflinching look at the darker aspects of human nature.