88 pages • 2 hours read
And The Earth Did Not Devour Him
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Book Brief
145
Novel • Fiction
Rural American Southwest • 1950s
1971
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
And the Earth Did Not Devour Him by Tomás Rivera, set during the Korean War, comprises 14 chapters and 13 vignettes depicting the often harsh lives of Mexican migrant workers in Texas. Told primarily from the perspective of a migrant worker’s young son, the story follows his fragmented recollections and experiences, ultimately revealing a narrative that centers around family, labor, and cultural identity. Sensitive topics include but are not limited to violence, racism, child death, and trauma.
Melancholic
Challenging
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
2,724 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tomás Rivera's And the Earth Did Not Devour Him poignantly captures the struggles of Mexican-American migrant workers through interconnected vignettes. Critics praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth, highlighting Rivera's portrayal of resilience and identity. Some note the fragmented narrative might confuse readers. Overall, it remains a powerful, evocative exploration of hardship and hope.
Who Should Read And The Earth Did Not Devour Him?
Readers who would enjoy And The Earth Did Not Devour Him by Tomás Rivera are likely fans of poignant, semi-autobiographical tales rooted in Chicano culture and migrant experiences. Similar to The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, these readers appreciate deeply personal stories that explore identity and struggle with lyrical prose.
2,724 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Doña Maria
Doña Maria
The narrator's mother, who struggles with anxiety and is unable to leave her house but insists on maintaining her children's belief in Santa Claus.
The Boss
The Boss
A representation of various authority figures affecting the migrant workers' lives, who can be either benevolent or oppressive.
Don Mateo
Don Mateo
A grieving father who seeks solace through a commissioned portrait of his son, relying on memory after losing the only photograph they had.
Don Laíto and Doña Bone
Don Laíto and Doña Bone
A couple with a dark, sinister side who exploit and shock the narrator when he stays with them.
Don Efraín and Doña Chona
Don Efraín and Doña Chona
Parents of three children, who face a tragic loss reluctantly leaving their children alone due to work demands.
Juanita and Ramón
Juanita and Ramón
A young couple whose relationship is strained by pride and external pressures, leading to a tragic end.
Bartolo
Bartolo
A poet who writes about the migrant community and sells his powerful and emotive poems upon returning from work up north.
145
Novel • Fiction
Rural American Southwest • 1950s
1971
Adult
14-18 years
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