Ernesto Mestre-Reed is the author of two novels, The Lazarus Rumba and The Second Death of Unica Aveyano. His work has been described as a blend of Surrealism and machismo that explores a landscape of elation, angst, betrayal, torture, murder, passion and love. Born in Guantanamo, Oriente, Cuba, Mestre currently lives in New York City and teaches at Sarah Lawrence College.