As the Andes Disappeared

Caroline is seven when her family flees Pinochet's regime, leaving Chile for Montreal on Christmas Eve, 1986. She fears Santa won't find them on the plane, but wakes to find a new Barbie doll. In Canada, Caroline accompanies her parents as they clean banks at night, experiences racist microaggressions at school, discovers Québécois popular culture, and explores her love of reading and writing in French. As her family increases their wealth and status, the fracture between her parents' identity and her own grows. When Caroline realizes an apartment she's partying in is one her mother cleans, the division between her parents' life and her own becomes explicitly clear. This nuanced coming-of-age autobiographical novel probes the plurality of identity and elucidates the interwoven complexities of immigrating to a new country. As the Andes Disappeared tenderly reflects the journey of millions and is a beautiful ode to family commitment and the importance of home.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Book*hug

Caroline is just seven years old when her family flees the oppressive regime of Pinochet in Chile, seeking refuge in Montreal on Christmas Eve, 1986. Filled with fear that Santa might not find them on the plane, Caroline wakes up to a surprising surprise—a brand-new Barbie doll, gifted to her by her mother, who valiantly upholds the spirit of the holiday amidst the turmoil and persecution they face.

Once in Canada, Caroline accompanies her parents, who work tirelessly cleaning banks at night, to support their new life. However, she encounters racist microaggressions at school, where her Chilean heritage sets her apart from her peers. Despite these challenges, Caroline immerses herself in the vibrant culture of Québécois, exploring music, literature, and the French language that holds a special place in her heart.

Gradually, the majestic Andean peaks that once adorned her drawings fade from view as she adapts to her new surroundings. As her family's financial situation improves, they move from a modest apartment in Montreal's working-class east-end neighborhood to a more spacious house in the suburbs. However, this upward mobility brings about a growing divide between Caroline's parents and her own identity.

One fateful day, Caroline realizes that the apartment she is partying in is one that her mother cleans. It is a stark reminder of the stark contrast between her parents' privileged life and her own experiences. This realization deepens the division between her parents' world and her own, highlighting the complexities and contradictions she faces as she navigates her way through adolescence.

"As the Andes Disappeared" is a poignant and nuanced coming-of-age autobiographical novel that delves into the multifaceted nature of identity. Through Caroline's journey, the book explores the intricacies of immigrating to a new country, shedding light on the experiences of millions who have left their homes in search of a better life. It is a beautiful ode to family commitment and the profound importance of home, even when it is layered with the complexities of cultural displacement and personal growth.

This book resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us of the power of love, compassion, and the pursuit of a better life, even in the face of adversity.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 133 x 204 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781771668613