Rating: 4.1/5
The bad press around the portrayal of Mexican migrants lowered my score HOWEVER the storytelling is off the c(h)arts (referencing the drug cartels…ha ha…will stop joking about drugs now), especially the beginning of the book. I still remember the scene down to the blood on the bathroom wall tile. The book slowed in pace near the end but managed to inject some exciting bends on their perilous adventure to el norte. The author nailed the descriptions of grief and trauma. A good read minus the politics external to the book.
Insights/Thoughts
- In one scene, Luca’s mother tries to divert her son’s attention away from violence by pointing to clouds and asking him what he sees. Luca is perfectly aware what his mother is trying to do but in an act of empathy, the 8 year-old plays along with her diversion. He interprets this as an opportunity to do something for his mother. Western society praises honesty and bluntness but Luca reminded me that the best relationships are not always rational and honest but they are definitely steeped in kindness and empathy. Being right is not as important as maintaining the relationship.
- Lydia reminded me of my mom and her stories about her purpose for living (her children). It’s bewildering because I am not a mom so I cannot fathom the amount of courage and selflessness needed to persist for another human being. It reminds me how love can change someone and that’s pretty romantic, even if you’re talking about family.
- On the topic of illegal migration and immigration, I think of my parent’s journey and the journeys of refugees and immigrants that left everything behind (family, language, home, education etc.) for a better future. It is embarrassing that we continue to debase the very same humans that need the most help. We humiliate them and take advantage of their vulnerability for the simple reason that we can. How primitive and uncivilized! If a person had no choice but to leave everything behind in exchange for uncertainty, less respect, and disapproval, how bad must their current situation be?
Favourite Quotes
It’s the bond of trauma, the bond of sharing an indescribable experience together. Whatever happens, no one else in their lives will ever fully comprehend the ordeal of this pilgrimage, the characters they’ve met, the fear that travels with them, the grief and fatigue that eat at them. The worst will either happen or not happen, and there’s no worry that will make a difference in either direction. Don’t think. Nothing can be undone. Adelante. …for every wickedness, there is an equal and opposite possibility of redemption.