I heard about “American Dirt” and the controversies surrounding it. When my friend gave me a copy, I thought, “Here’s my chance to form my own opinion.”
This is a story of Lydia and her son, Luca, fleeing Acapulco and their hope for a better life in the United States.
In my opinion, Jeanine Cummins did a skillful job keeping tension high throughout the story.
It’s a difficult subject matter, of course, but, I think, good writing.
It made me think of the mother/child bond and how fiercely protective a mother can be.
The characters felt real to me. It was an eye-opener with details about risk, escape, and how to (illegally) get across the Mexico/U.S. border.
The story made me appreciate my easy life and grateful for what I have. It also made me aware and empathetic for people who risk their lives to come here.
This book is not for everyone, but it might be right for you.
