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American Dirt

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Jeanine Cummins

American Dirt

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mexico • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins follows Lydia Quixano Pérez and her son Luca as they flee from a violent cartel after their family is massacred in Acapulco, encountering various migrants and dangers on their journey to the United States. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Suspenseful

Emotional

Dark

Challenging

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.5

773,576 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins reveal a polarized response. Positives include its gripping narrative and spotlight on migrant struggles, evoking empathy. Criticisms focus on stereotypical portrayals and questions of cultural appropriation. While some appreciate its intent, others challenge its authenticity and representation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Dirt?

A reader who would enjoy Jeanine Cummins' American Dirt is someone captivated by gripping page-turners and harrowing migration stories. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath will find this book equally compelling due to its exploration of human resilience and sociopolitical struggles.

4.5

773,576 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Lydia Quixano Pérez

Lydia is the 32-year-old protagonist of the novel *Lydia*. She is a bookstore owner, wife to Sebastián, and mother to Luca. Her life takes a drastic turn when her family is targeted by a cartel.

Sebastián is Lydia's husband, a principled journalist who is murdered after publishing an exposé on Javier, a cartel leader. He is dedicated to his family and his work, prioritizing truth and free press.

Luca is the young son of Lydia and Sebastián. At eight years old, he possesses remarkable geography skills and maturity beyond his years. He is a constant source of support for his mother during their perilous journey.

Javier, also known as The Owl, is the antagonist of *Lydia*. He is the leader of the Los Jardineros cartel, charming and erudite, but also ruthless and violent.

Lorenzo is a 17-year-old sicario for Los Jardineros. He has a complex relationship with Lydia and Luca, showcasing both menace and a desire to leave the cartel behind.

Rebeca and Soledad are Ch’orti sisters from Honduras. They are brave and resourceful, forming a bond with Lydia and Luca as they navigate their dangerous journey.

Beto is a 10-year-old deportee from Tijuana, who displays generosity and a desire to help the group. He shares Luca’s maturity and knowledge, particularly regarding immigration matters.

Juan Pedro, known as El Chacal, is a seasoned and reputable coyote. He is committed to safely guiding migrants across the desert and grapples with the challenges posed by cartels.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mexico • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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