Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration

Alejandra Oliva's memoir Rivermouth explores the physical spaces of immigration, language, and opportunity, offering critique and compassion for the painful questions posed by the crisis. She argues for a better world while guiding us through the suffering and joy of the fight.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 June 2024
Publisher: Astra Publishing House

Alejandra Oliva, a Mexican American translator and immigrant justice activist, has written a powerful memoir of translation, storytelling, and borders in Rivermouth. She focuses on the physical spaces that make up different phases of immigration, looking at how language and opportunity move through each of them. The river is the waterway that separates the US and Mexico, the table is the place over which Oliva prepares asylum seekers for their Credible Fear Interviews, and the wall is the behemoth imposition that runs along Americas southernmost border. With lush prose and perceptive insight, Oliva encourages readers to approach the painful questions that this crisis poses with equal parts critique and compassion. She argues for a better world while guiding us through the suffering that makes the fight necessary and the joy that makes it worth fighting for.

Oliva's memoir begins with her experience interpreting at the US-Mexico border. She describes the river as a powerful symbol of the divide between the two countries, and the table as a place of hope and opportunity. She recalls the stories of asylum seekers who have come to the US seeking refuge from violence and persecution, and the challenges they face in navigating the immigration system.

One of the most striking aspects of Oliva's memoir is her ability to capture the emotional impact of immigration. She describes the fear and anxiety that asylum seekers experience as they navigate the immigration system, and the sense of loss and displacement that they feel. She also highlights the resilience and strength of these individuals, who have overcome incredible obstacles to achieve their dreams.

Oliva's memoir also explores the role of language in immigration. She argues that language is a powerful tool for communication and connection, but it can also be a barrier to access. She describes the challenges that asylum seekers face in learning English, and the ways in which language can be used to manipulate and control them.

Oliva's memoir is also a call to action. She argues that we need to address the root causes of immigration, such as poverty, violence, and political instability. She calls for a more compassionate and humane immigration system, and for a more inclusive society that values diversity and welcomes immigrants.

One of the most powerful aspects of Oliva's memoir is her ability to connect with her readers. She uses her own experiences and stories to illustrate the issues that she is discussing, and she makes her readers feel as if they are part of the story. She also provides practical advice and resources for those who are interested in learning more about immigration and immigrant justice.

In conclusion, Alejandra Oliva's memoir of translation, storytelling, and borders is a powerful and deeply felt chronical of her experience interpreting at the US-Mexico border. She offers a powerful critique of the immigration system and a call to action for a more compassionate and humane immigration system. Her memoir is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning more about immigration and immigrant justice.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662602672