American Dirt (Oprah's Book Club) Hardcover – 21 Jan. 2020

An appalling crime opens this moving and powerful novel - sixteen members of an extended family are gunned down at a birthday party in Acapulco, as an act of revenge against a journalist. The only survivors are the journalist's wife Lydia and their eight-year-old son Luca. There's no time for them to grieve, because this is a Mexico ruled by the all powerful drug cartels, and the boss who ordered the killing will not rest until the job is finished. The only hope of survival is to escape to the USA. The novel follows Luca and Lydia as they flee northwards, encountering unthinkable dangers.Anyone who thinks badly of 'migrants' should read this novel - it might just open their eyes to reality. The characters in the story have no choice but to make these desperately perilous journeys, and the horrors they face on the way are unbelievable. No one would choose this if they had a better option. You don't climb onto the roof of a moving train, or in the European equivalent, take to the high seas in a rubber dinghy, on a whim. The migrants know they are likely to die but even the small amount of hope that they might not is preferable to staying put.The novel shows the best and worst of human nature. There are scenes of violence, including sexual violence. These are handled sensitively, in a way that is unflinching but never gratuitous or excessive. However readers who might find such scenes triggering should steer clear.The characters are realistic and likeable and very relatable to the demographic who read for pleasure. Lydia is even a bookshop owner. It is only too easy to imagine yourself in her position, but for a few very arbitrary strokes of fate. The power of the book lies in the knowledge always in your mind that this is real - the story itself may be fiction, but these events are happening to real people every day. It's very sobering to remember that whilst you can close the book and put it away, others are having to live it.There's a great balance of tension and emotion - it's as gripping and exciting as any thriller, but also very engaging emotionally. Often books do one or the other, but seldom manage such a strong showing at both. I desperately wanted the characters to achieve their dream of reaching the USA in safety and being able to remain there. I really cared about their fates and was utterly swept up in their journey. It's also a very vivid book in terms of description - I could almost feel the heat and dust even though I was sitting in cold, wet Britain.This is one of those must-read books that is of such high quality it should appeal to a wide range of readers. It has something important to say, but is also an extremely rewarding read.

What an interesting, beautifully constructed, well researched book this is. I haven't quite finished it but my eyes are open to the amazing challenges faced by some folk, a lot of folk, in many countries, where the mob rules by fear. The story line is brilliant, the people inspiring. I do hope it ends well.

A bleak story of a mother and son fleeing a Mexican cartel after her journalist husband and 15 of her family are murdered at a birthday party.This is essentially a book about trauma and grief and the worst and best of human nature, all wrapped up in a migrant story and harrowing journey.I didn’t even realize there was a controversy about this book when it came out until I read some reviews here but, honestly, my opinion is it’s a work of fiction. I didn’t even google the author to see what colour she was or what hertitage she had as it was of little relevance here imo.This story could have been set anywhere. As said it’s extremely bleak but very well told for the most part. It does perhaps overstay its welcome a little but that’s the only real criticism I have of it.I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and at the end of the day isn’t that the purpose of a novel?This would have been a 5 star review from me but as I said it felt a little too long and some characters weren’t as well written as the main ones.Still a hugely enjoyable experience overall with some really lovely sprinklings of descriptive writing of both the landscape and the human condition.

I was impressed by the readers' reviews on this book so decided to purchase and was not disappointed. The story started with a bang and the pace didn't let up. You feel yourself rooting for Lydia and her son from the start and as the story progressed, I became more and more fond of these two characters. Young luca, although only a child, became throughout the many trials he faced, a real stalwart and a personality that the hardship he and his mum endured only brought out more and more of his character and courage. Other characters they met during their perilous journey only added to the story, especially the two sisters from Honduras who became like family members to Lydia and Luca. A great read that displayed some of the terrible cruelties of life and yet was full of heart warming kindnesses shown from some encountered on the journey. Highly recommended.

This book is like a rare black pearl! You become part of the world of Lydia & Luca as they make their way through Mexico to the border of the USA desperately trying to stay beneath the radar of the cartel that murdered her family. They meet & travel with other desperate souls they meet along their way.Its a tale of courage, despair & eventually achieving what they set out to achieve . A very memorable read.

Great storytelling and characters. well paced and humanises the story of migration. I recommended it to friends who also enjoyed it.

I loved this book and ordered it for a Mexican friend. Accidentally ordered in English

Histoire terrible et passionnante des migrants mexicains qui essaient de rejoindre les États Unis. Notre book club a bcp aimé.

One of the best books that I’ve read. It was haunting though - my only regret is reading it while on summer holidays. Some of the content is quite upsetting… but I couldn’t put it down once I started reading!!

I really loved it. It was such a pleasant surprise. It has so many elements: a bit of Mexico, a bit of the US, thriller and an engaging story to bring life to this difficult journey!

Livro em bom estado e chegou rapidamente. Aconselho!