Reviews

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

keatynbergsten's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was one of those short books that felt like the author found the sweet spot of telling a story in a beautiful concise way without anything extra.  A heartbreaking story of a family torn apart for years by American immigration policy and the lengths they go to remain a family and get back together.  I found this novel particularly interesting having read Jonathan Blitzer’s nonfiction book “Everyone Who is Gone Is Here” earlier in the year where he covers the migration crisis in great detail through investigative journalism.  

elnechnntt's review against another edition

dark sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

fromthegarden's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

becksreading's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.5

jr2234's review against another edition

4.0

Very good.

Infinite Country depicts a Colombian family occupying two different countries. As Elena and two children continue life in the United States, Mauro and the third child live in Colombia alongside Elena’s mother, Perla.

The story is one of heartbreak and resiliency and details the daily reality of undocumented individuals in the United States. Engel explores the difficulties of hard decisions. I felt for the characters who were tasked with making impossible choices: choices where no path was better and each path came with its own set of obstacles.

The writing was straightforward while overflowing with emotion and depth.

manderzreadz's review against another edition

5.0

Wow. I chose this as BOTM because there wasn’t really a major pick I was interested in, and I was completely blown away! Such an emotional, important, and empowering book that gives a voice to those that get mistreated every day. A short read as well, great book!

danielmay's review against another edition

5.0

Beautiful book and very sad throughout, except for the ending. Unfortunately a countless number of families are still waiting for their happy endings and remain separated. I challenge anyone to read this book and conclude that our immigration system in the U.S. is anything but cruel and unfair. This book may be “fiction,” but the struggles presented throughout are all too real. Not just the separation of family members, but having to live in fear, not fitting in at school or work, not being able to trust anyone, having people take advantage of you because of your status. Coming to a new land to seek opportunity should never be something someone is punished for. I have no doubt this country would be a much more welcoming place if everyone were required to read “Infinite Country.”

stephabee_reads's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad

4.5

livslittlelibrary's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

5.0

Gorgeously written. Hopeful.