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American Dirt

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American Dirt

By: Jeanine Cummins
Narrated by: Yareli Arizmendi
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'I couldn't put it down. I'll never stop thinking about it' Ann Patchett
'One hell of a novel about a good woman on the run with her beautiful boy' Stephen King

FEAR KEEPS THEM RUNNING. HOPE KEEPS THEM ALIVE.

Vivid, visceral, utterly compelling, AMERICAN DIRT is the first novel to explore the experience of attempting to illegally cross the US-Mexico border. Described as 'A Grapes of Wrath for our times' (Don Winslow) it is a story that will leave you utterly changed.

Yesterday, Lydia had a bookshop.
Yesterday, Lydia was married to a journalist.
Yesterday, she was with everyone she loved most in the world.

Today, her eight-year-old son Luca is all she has left.

For him, she will carry a machete strapped to her leg.
For him, she will leap onto the roof of a high speed train.
For him, she will find the strength to keep running.

(P)2020 Macmillan Audio©2020 Jeanine Cummins Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Exciting Heartfelt Scary Tear-jerking Fiction
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Critic reviews

Devastating and timely... its hard to imagine there will be a more urgent or politically relevant novel this year
This book is not simply the great American novel; it's the great novel of las Americas. It's the great world novel! This is the international story of our times. Masterful (Sandra Cisneros)
Heartstopping... doesn't let up... you will urge them on, fists clenched
Stunning... remarkable... an account of love on the run that will never lose steam
This might be the first book many people read this year... it might also be the best
Taut, tough, visceral, savage and exhilaratingly written
One hell of a novel about a good woman on the run with her beautiful boy... I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it
AMERICAN DIRT transported me through genuine fear and had me willing on every human being struggling to get to a better life. Written with masterly restraint, it is a roaring human triumph
It's been a long time since I turned pages as fast as I did with American Dirt. Its journey is a testament to the power of fear and hope and belief that there are more good people than bad.
I devoured the novel in a dry-eyed adrenalin rush... profoundly moving
From its heart-stopping first sentence to its heart-shattering last, Cummins' story of immigrants is just what we need now
From the opening page your heart will be in your mouth You will never want to put this story down, Jeanine Cummins has written a novel of such moment, such danger and such compassion, it will change your view of the world
Urgent and unforgettable, AMERICAN DIRT leaps the borders of the page and demands attention, especially now
Riveting, timely, a dazzling accomplishment. Jeanine Cummins makes us all live and breathe the refugee story. If a book can change hearts and transform policies, this is the one
Both a moral compass and a riveting read
All stars
Most relevant
I must admit, when I saw that two well known authors of fiction had recommended this book, I was quite skeptical. However, I decided to risk a credit and I have to say this book is quite remarkable. It has opened my eyes to so many things. I really had no idea that drug cartels had so much power in some parts of the world. It is essentially the story of a mother and her young son, after their world has been utterly devastated by the murder of their family. Yet despite the sheer awfulness of their situation, it never once lapses into self pity or sentimentality. I won’t say anymore. Highly recommended.

One of the best audio books I have listened to.

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I know it's by a white American but please read her essay on why she chose to write about this topic, then you'll understand why she did.
I can't believe how the world works and this book has just highlighted the true lottery that our lives are. I could have been born anywhere, but I'm lucky to be in a safe, peaceful place where I donot fear for my life. This book opened my eyes to how bad it can be if your coin lands on the 'wrong' side. Please read this book.

Eye Opening Narrative

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Brilliantly written, beautifully narrated - incredibly gripping novel from start to finish... I’m sad it’s over but so glad someone’s tackled this subject matter in such an eloquent way.

Best book I’ve listened to in ages

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I ended up having an affair with this book. I couldn’t get it out of my mind, I searched for opportunities to get back to it, I am bereft now it is finished.
Beautifully written, wonderfully narrated. Highly recommend

Beautiful written

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It’s like Sopranos meets Love in the time of cholera! I really couldn’t wait to finish work so I could listen to the book. Really well read too.

Total page turner!

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