The moment I heard the title ‘American Dirt’ and read the book jacket I was intrigued and could not wait to read the book. It did not disappoint. Lydia Quixano Perez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco where she owns and operates a bookstore. Her husband is a journalist and together they have a son, Luca, who has a mind like a steel trap. He loves to read, and geography is his favorite subject. He can quote facts about any world location you give him. Amazing!
Lydia becomes acquainted with one of her customers, Javier. Together they discuss family, travels, etc. along with their favorite books. Unbeknownst to her, Javier is a prominent leader of one of the many drug cartels in Mexico. Her husband has just released a damaging expose about Javier and now, after tremendous violence against her family, Lydia and her son, Luca, are on the run.
The book takes us through their tragedies and triumphs as they travel across Mexico while trying to stay hidden and at least one step ahead of the cartel. Along the way they meet various people, some who help their plight and some who do not for many reasons. Their ultimate destination, America, the land of freedom. Will they make it? Who else will stand in their way? Will they ever be able to properly grieve for their many losses…and there are many. A sensitive story, very emotional and heart-wrenching at times; I found myself cheering Lydia and Luca on to reach their destination of ‘American Dirt’.
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