Powerful, haunting, intense.  This is a timely story.  The politics of immigration often overshadow the human element. Lydia and Luca had a good life full of hopes and dreams in Mexico.  Abruptly, those hopes and dreams, along with their entire family, were violently executed and taken away.  Coming to America wasn’t about the dream of a better life.  It was about survival.  It was about basic human needs.  And when survival fueled by mother’s overwhelming love for her child is all that they have left, any and all politics become incredibly unimportant. 

 

More than anything, this story tugged at my heartstrings as a mother.  My son is close in age to Luca.  Nothing is as powerful or primal as a mother’s charge to protect her child.  Cummins expertly painted a picture of a mother who would do ANYTHING for her child.  And that, I can completely and emphatically connect with.   

 

Note: I’ve sat on this book…processing it and the controversy, which I was completely ignorant to prior to reading, for a few weeks.  Even now, it’s hard to put into words all the complex thoughts I have.  I have always believed in the power of stories to give perspective.  And boy were my eyes opened in this story.  But I also believe strongly in the power of ownvoices, and the necessity of hearing firsthand accounts, especially in these sensitive and most necessary of topics.  Therefore, I have actively sought out ownvoices immigrant stories to add to my TBR.  These conversations are important.  I’m listening and learning.