Narrator and fictional author Rodrigo is obsessed with a poor typist named Macabea. Language-wise, this short novella is an easy read, though the occasional randomness of the prose and punctuation is just confusing enough to warrant multiple reads of The Hour of the Star. Clarice Lispector waxes philosophical on death, Macabea's poorness, and the type of "inwardly free" life that the typist leads. The prose is intriguing, the account of Macabea is both depressing and fascinating, and ultimately, (view spoiler)[her death is both sad and freeing. Interesting, though, that someone so poor should be killed by such a stereotypical rich car...(view spoiler)[. 
 Of all the works I read for my Latin American literature class, this was by far my favorite. It's definitely worth a read (or two). (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]