Book of Unknown Americans

Alma Rivera moves to Delaware with her family, hoping for a better life, but soon finds life without status, money, family, and friends unmanageable and violent. Cristina Henríquez's novel gives voice to the displaced and unknown and shows what it means to uproot one's life in search of something better.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd

Alma Rivera arrives in Delaware with high hopes and expectations for her new home. She eagerly anticipates the specialized support that US education can offer for her daughter, Maribel, believing that it will greatly benefit her. She also has faith in her husband, Arturo, that he will thrive in a country that values hard work and celebrates success. However, as time passes, life without status, money, family, and friends quickly becomes overwhelming and violent.

The story is told from various perspectives, each written with empathy and grace. Cristina Henríquez gives a voice to the displaced and the unknown, shedding light on the challenges and hardships they face when uprooting their lives in search of a better future.

Through her characters, Henríquez explores the complexities of migration, identity, and the search for a sense of belonging. She highlights the struggles and sacrifices that individuals make when they leave their homes, hoping to find a better life elsewhere.

The novel also delves into the social and political aspects of immigration, examining the policies and attitudes that shape the lives of immigrants and the communities they enter. Henríquez provides a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of the issues that surround immigration, challenging readers to consider different perspectives and understand the human cost of migration.

Overall, "The World and All That It Holds" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the lives of immigrants and the challenges they face. Through its compassionate storytelling and insightful analysis, Henríquez provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about immigration and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782111221
Edition number: Main