American Dirt Review & Thoughts

One of the most buzzed about books of 2020, that began in the Fall of 2019, is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. I was very lucky to receive an advanced copy, thanks to Flat Iron Books, and after reading it, I totally understand the buzz. 

American Dirt follows the story of Lydia and her eight year old son, Luca, as they flee a violent cartel in their hometown of Acapulco, Mexico. They are the only survivors after a massacre in their own backyard, including her husband, a journalist who had recently revealed the identity of the cartel’s leader. 

It is a beautiful, tragic, violent story and one of the best books I’ve read, on a technical level. I loved her story telling, and definitely felt the first half of the book was incredibly strong. I do think it was a little long and got repetitive in the second half. But on the whole, I found it to be an important book that I learned a lot from and created an even greater amount of empathy for me toward the community. 

But here’s the deal: I’m a white woman from New England, still living on the east coast. I don’t know a ton about Mexico, what it’s like to live there, and I’ve never even visited before. I support those who need to need their home country for whatever reason and make a new life elsewhere. 

There is some controversy around this book that I didn’t know about until after I’d finished it. The author was born in Spain, lives in Maryland, and her grandparents were Puerto Rican. But she’s not Mexican, so a lot of readers of Mexican descent are bothered by inaccurate representation and negative stereotypes that are perpetuated in the novel. She also states in her author’s note that her husband was undocumented when they met, but does not disclose that he is an Irish, white immigrant. To many, it is important to note he still had white privilege while living in the country without citizenship. 

I think in this case, and in all cases regarding race, gender, and culture, it is incredibly important to listen to the voices that matter, Own Voices. 

I have graciously received recommendations for books that are Own Voices stories of crossing the border and I thought I’d pass them on to you! 

Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luiselli

Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande

Solito, Solita: Crossing Borders with You Refugees from Central American

There’s also a great Interview from this summer, when the buzz began.

So it’s a a bit of a dilemma. Do I think you should read this book? Yeah I do. I enjoyed it, as violent as it is. I was particularly drawn to the character of Soledad, who Lydia and Luca meet along the way. But I think everyone needs to be aware of the other factors in this book, so I encourage you to do your research!

Content/Trigger Warnings: Gang/cartel violence and activity, murder, suicide, rape, sexual assault, death of a parent, alcoholism, unintended pregnancy, severe asthma attack, migration, infertility, death by cancer, child death, miscarriage, robbery, gun violence 

Thank you to Flat Iron Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! American Dirt hits bookshelves January 21, 2020.