About:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins tells of a mother and son, in danger of being murdered by a Mexican drug cartel, trying to make it to the United States. Ms. Cummins is a published author, this is her fourth book.
- 400 pages
- Publisher â : â Flatiron Books
- Language â : â English
- ISBN-10 â : â 1250209765
My rating for American Dirt â 5
Buy American Dirt from Amazon.com*
More Books by Jeanine Cummins*
Thoughts:
I vaguely remember some controversy about this book, when I read a bit more about it I understood why I couldnât remember. The issue was so idiotic it didnât merit another second of my time.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins opens with a massacre in a family bar-b-que. Only the two protagonists, Lydia, and her son Luca, survive.
At first I thought this would be a formulaic book, as it had all the elements to do so. A convenient kid hanging around, a villain that doesnât stop, and attraction between the villain and the woman whoâs running away from him. The novel is a bit predictable, but it asks some very good questions, even attempts to answer a few, by giving a face and backstory to illegal immigrants.
I loved the protagonistâs name, Lydia Quixano PĂ©rez, and was trying to find hidden, or unconscious meanings within the narrative. Lydia and Lucaâs quixotic journey is, on the surface, impractical. A single woman and a child attempting to escape a web of corrupt officials, sicarios, and just plain criminals. Lydia might be delusional, thinking they have a chance, fighting along the way, while the seemingly weaker Luca, her Sancho Panza, shows moral characters which others try to suppress while having the most varied perspective and wisdom.
For me, the highlight of the book was when it explored issues such as privilege, responsibilities, and what happens when all things you though secure were suddenly, and violently taken away from you. The authorâs goal of putting a human face on a âmass of brown facesâ, as well as tell of the plight of illegal immigrants, has been accomplished.
Unfortunately, this fictional story is probably closer to the truth than weâd like to admit to ourselves.
Synopsis:
Lydia, a book shop owner in Acapulco is having an emotional affair with one of her clients, Javier. Her husband, an investigative journalist called SebastiĂĄn is writing a piece on new cartel head called âThe Owlâ.
Once the piece comes out, Lydiaâs whole family is murdered except her son, Luca. Now she must figure out how to survive Mexico, and illegally cross into the United States without getting noticed, on pain of death.
Buy American Dirt from Amazon.com*
More Books by Jeanine Cummins*
Zohar â Man of la Book
DisÂclaimer:I bought this book
*AmaÂzon links point to an affilÂiÂate account, the money is usually spent on books
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