We present one of the most respected writers on the Mexican cultural scene, the writer Mónica Lavín, an important figure in contemporary letters. A prolific author of over 20 books, including novels, short story collections and four books of non-fiction. She has won a number of awards, including a Canadian Governor General’s Award and the Elena Poniatowska Ibero-American Novel Prize for her powerful and iconic novel Yo, la peor, about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. She is a columnist for El Universal newspaper and presents programmes for channels Once and 22 that feature interviews with writers. In her most recent book, Últimos días de mis padres, the author deals with the death of her father, followed by the death of her mother; it talks about their childhoods, experiences in exile, Mexico City, travel, separation and meeting again. In conversation with Jazmina Barrera.