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Alicia Gaspar de Alba

Desert Blood: The Juárez Murders

Alicia Gaspar de AlbaFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Alicia Gaspar de Alba

Desert Blood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

356

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

El Paso, Texas • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Desert Blood by Alicia Gaspar de Alba is set in 1998 during Juárez's wave of brutal murders targeting young factory workers. Women’s Studies professor Ivon Villa returns to her hometown of El Paso to adopt a baby but becomes entangled in solving the murders after the baby's mother is killed and Ivon's sister disappears, leading her to uncover a vast, cross-border conspiracy. The book involves graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

640 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Alicia Gaspar de Alba's Desert Blood is lauded for its gripping narrative and cultural insight into the femicides of Juárez. Critics praise its powerful depiction of social issues and well-developed characters. However, some note its complex subplots and intense themes may be overwhelming for certain readers. Overall, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Desert Blood?

Readers captivated by sociopolitical landscapes and gender issues in works like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson will find Desert Blood compelling. This novel delves into the raw and gripping reality of femicides along the US-Mexico border, meshing mystery with poignant cultural insights.

4.0

640 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

356

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

El Paso, Texas • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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