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: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

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

Cara Romero's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. When she left her native Dominican Republic for America, she envisioned a future working in a factory manufacturing small lamps, a career that would sustain her for the rest of her life. However, the onset of the Great Recession left her unemployed and grappling with the soaring rent. Determined to survive, Cara embarked on a new path, seeking assistance from a job counselor.

Through a series of forms and questionnaires, Cara's future was mapped out, but her indomitable personality and tumultuous past refused to be confined within the confines of answer boxes. Over the course of twelve sessions, we delve into her scandals, struggles, hopes, and heartbreaks, unraveling the reasons behind her decision to immigrate to America and the tragic fate of her son.

In the face of overwhelming loss, Cara discovers that sometimes the only way forward is to go back to the beginning. With unwavering determination, she begins to rebuild her life, drawing strength from her experiences and forging new connections. Cara's story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for growth, renewal, and a fresh start.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399806916