Melissa Rivero

Ana Falcón, her husband Lucho, and their two children have fled the political turmoil of their native Peru for the chance at a better life in New York City. But despite Lucho’s education, the only job he can get is driving a cab on the night shift. Meanwhile Ana works as a seamstress in a factory. They are living with Lucho’s cousins, Valeria and Rueben, which adds stress to their family. Ana has resorted to borrowing money from a local loan shark, Mama, and she’s behind in repaying the loan. Should she give up and succumb to Lucho’s idea to return to Peru, or at least to send the children back?

My heart broke for Ana and her family. There is a lot going on and they can never catch a break. Yet Ana holds on to the hope of a better future. She is willing to work hard, to do whatever is necessary to keep her family together and in a relatively safe environment. She feels capable but is constantly reminded that she is from “the wrong side of the mountain,” being from an indigenous family, while the Falcóns were white Peruvians with college educations. She seems to really be carrying the future of her family on her shoulders, alone. But is that partly her own fault? She seems unable, and at least unwilling, to share her burden with her husband and his cousins.

I was glad to see that the family did enjoy some moments of joy and celebration. A nice dinner at Christmas, a New Year’s Eve party with friends. But those moments barely relieved the stress of their circumstances. And they needed to constantly watch out for who might betray them, or what would happen if ICE raided the factory where Ana (and many other undocumented women) worked.

The ending is jarring and unsettling and ambiguous. I desperately want to know what happens next!… (más)

Ana is a complex, well-developed character. Through her experiences and thoughts, the reader can feel her emotions. The plight of the undocumented immigrant is something most of us can imagine enduring. Ana's story is one of hope, but with many struggles along the way. Most of the novel was compelling, however, I would have like to see the other family members' thoughts and motives explored more deeply. A perfect nominee for the Aspen Words Prize for "illuminating a vital contemporary issue" - immigration.… (más)

A powerful book about the choices we make and a look into the hardships of being an undocumented immigrant in America. This book is depressing but well-written with great character development.

The Falcóns, Ana, Lucho, and their two children, flea Peru during a difficult time to New York City to start over. But being undocumented has proven to be harder than imagined. Struggling for money, the Falcóns borrow money from a loan shark and move into Lucho’s cousin’s home. After Lucho mentions either sending their children back to Peru or going back as a family, Ana feels the pressure of keeping her family together and is haunted by what she left behind.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.… (más)