How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

Cara Romero is a Dominican Republic immigrant who came to America to work at a factory, but when the Great Recession hits, she is left unemployed and struggling with rising rent. To survive, she must start again and go back to the start.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: John Murray Press

Cruz offers a fresh perspective on immigration, womanhood, aspiration, and gentrification, all told through Cara's unfailingly frank, occasionally hilarious voice. Washington Post

Cara Romero's journey from the Dominican Republic to America was filled with the promise of a stable job at a lamp factory. However, the onset of the Great Recession left her unemployed and struggling to afford rising rents. Determined to survive, she sought the help of a job counselor. Through a series of forms and questionnaires, Cara's future seemed to be laid out before her. However, her indomitable personality and tumultuous past refused to be contained within the answer boxes.

Over the course of twelve sessions, we delve into Cara's scandals, struggles, hopes, and heartbreaks. We learn about the reasons behind her decision to come to America and the tragic fate of her son. In the face of loss, Cara realizes that sometimes the only way forward is to go back to the beginning.

Through her captivating story, Cruz explores the complexities of immigration, womanhood, and the pursuit of a better life. Cara's resilience and determination inspire us to confront our own challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 144 x 225 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399806893