Not worth the hype

American Dirt is a novel about Mexican cartels and migration written for basic gringas in book clubs. I am a fairly basic gringa. (But I did get kicked out of my book club years ago for the books I picked: David Sedaris was the nail in my book group coffin. I feel no remorse.)
The story starts compellingly but unravels into cliches. When I got this book I liked the sound of the story but as I live at the end of the earth, I wasn’t aware of the hype and subsequent backlash this book had received until after I started reading. I then tried to avoid all of the above.
So this is my take: To begin I am a person who believes in a full scale overhaul of the United States’ immigration policy is needed. I believe in Dreamers. I believe we need to create viable paths to citizenship for people. I’ve worked alongside legal and illegal immigrants and 1st generation citizens who have become lifelong friends and who are the most generous, kind people you could meet despite the majority of the USA treating them like garbage. I also left the United States and am a migrant in another country. I did not leave because of violence or in fear, so I don’t know that experience, but leaving your home, whether you want to or not is hard - and I travelled on a plane not jumping onto moving trains or trekking through the desert. But I know what it’s like to be “other” and to learn to never refer to myself as American again.
That being said, I do think books are a powerful way to bring awareness to these issues. Some basic white people need to realise “these criminals coming to take their jobs” are people: mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. The fact that it this needs to happen is sad, but true. I think Jeanine Cummins meant well (and a 7 figure book deal probably didn’t hurt). I do believe an author is most effective when writing what they know, but should be able to write to others’ experiences if done with respect and research without condemnation. But they will and should be held to a higher standard.
The biggest problem with American Dirt is it just doesn’t hold up to even a normal standard. The characters are simple stereotypes, the action is predictable, the morals are clumsy and heavy handed, and the American Dream propaganda a bit too loud.
The most interesting and complex character to me was Javier, La Lechuza. I wish there had been more chapters on him and his viewpoint. He is still a bit of stereotype and the way that storyline ends is very disappointingly anti-climatic.
Yes, I think people who have lived a life a bit closer to Lydia’s should write this book. Yes, I think people who have been writing books of better quality but with less impressive press tours and blurbs should get more press and widespread devotion. But maybe this book and the controversy will get a basic gringa to seek out more authentic voices or, even better, to support immigration reform and closer ties to our neighbour, Mexico, to work together to reduce cartel violence.

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10 people found this helpful

Amazingly written and read

I loved the way this book was read …..so authentic! I could not stop listening!

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1 person found this helpful

Exhilarating read

This story takes you inside a terrifying world that most of us only read about in passing from a distance. More than that though, the author explores the universal themes of what it means to love your family and your children beyond all reason, and how fragile our seemingly safe and secure lives really are. The narrator’s performance is seamless, as if she is telling you her life story. Highly recommended.

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Average

This book was highly recommended however I was disappointed detailed migration trip no depths of background or direction I missed it

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Brilliant

I couldn't stop listening and was absorbed until the end. It is a powerful story in every way. I loved the Narrator - she was perfect for this story. Thank you!

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WOW

Wow such an incredible book. So well written and researched. You really fall in love with the characters in this book. Many times I was on the edge of my seat and struggled to stop listening. It’s very humbling hearing about the characters stories, although fictional. It really provides a different insight into migrants lives and the hard ships migrants face. Must read, you won’t regret it.

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Emotional and deep

I loved this story - I loved the use of language to describe the feelings. I found myself holding my breath at the violation - at the fear and held on waiting for exhilaration which never happened - could not have accepted the happily ever after - but rather I just found myself sitting really still in deep gratitude at the survival of these women. Would I read more written by Jeanine Cummins - ABSOLUTELY! Would I listen to another narration by Yareli Arizmendi - without a doubt, her narration was so well matched to the story.

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There's a reason why this novel is a best seller

This book has been controversial in the 'who gets to write the stories' war but I don't care. It is a gripping story that taught me a lot about the Mexican chapter of the current world migration crisis. Beautifully read by Yareli Arizmendi, it's a thriller and a heartbreaker.

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Incredible read

I too am a refugee/emigrant and immigrate. My beautiful Family was torn apart because of a senseless war (what other kind is there after all..). This story spoke to my core and bought through so many emotions that will resonate with me always. Thank you for reminding us of who we are and to ‘never forget where we came from’.

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An honest and eye-opening book

This book opened my eyes to a world of enduring that I knew little about.

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