[1] Ciudades desiertas is the story of Susana, a female Mexican writer fleeing her home to attend an international workshop in the United States, leaving her husband Eligio behind and completely unaware of her whereabouts.

A hot-tempered intellectual with a somewhat cynical and misanthropic sense of humor, he works his way to catch up with his wife, arguing to have only done so to find out why exactly Susana left.

The book's title seems to be derived from the couple's separate observations in regards to the apparent lack of movement around Arcadia, where the workshop takes place.

The two attempt to show a sense of individuality and emotional disattachment from their spouse, each according to their respective point of view.

While Eligio tries to make sense out of things, halfway acknowledging the extent of his feelings for his wife, still paradoxically giving in to outbursts of rage on occasions; Susana strains to convey an ideal of utter independence, as she feels the routine of her marriage holds her back.

Motivated at first to prove her own self-worth, which she does find, she eventually experiences the certainty of her love for Eligio, in spite of all her efforts to stay away from him.

Also, both accuse each other of seeking self-autonomy even though they are married; however, even though they want independence, they search for each other in different countries, and both seem to accept their spouse after being abandoned.

Women have to adapt their role within society as a means to survive where there is a need that they must work outside the home to help support the family.

It may be difficult for Eligio, and other men in Latin American countries to accept change, but women too our people that should be respected and that can have an impact.

After arriving to the United States, Susana seems to reverse roles; she gains more independence making her less dependable on Eligio.