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A review by jilliebeanreads
The Book of Rosy: A Mother's Story of Separation at the Border by Julie Schwietert Collazo, Rosayra Pablo Cruz
3.0
It was both fascinating and painful to read Rosayra Pablo Cruz's detailed account of her escape from Guatemala to the U.S. In the Book of Rosy, we witnessed her two border crossing journeys, the second of which resulted in her (and her two sons) being detained, separately, in Arizona.
Rosy explains what life was like in her desire to leave her home country and the harrowing journey across the border. They faced starvation, dehydration, exhaustion and humiliation. But they knew their lives would be better "up North."
Once captured and detained by Homeland Security, we see what really happens behind the scenes of the detention center. We also see how Rosy meets an immigration attorney and is aided by Julie Schwietert Collazo, founder of Immigrant Families Together, the grassroots organization that reunites mothers and children.
Oddly, toward the end of the book, we hear from Julie and get her side of the story. While her story was well written, it interrupted the flow and I'm not sure it added much.
Overall, this book was interesting and I'm glad I read it, but I'm not sure I would recommend it to friends. I much preferred American Dirt, even though it is fiction. Because this topic interests me, I will be on the lookout for more content from "ownvoices" authors.
I appreciate the opportunity to receive a copy from NetGalley and Harper One. I also listened to the audiobook version once it was published.
Rosy explains what life was like in her desire to leave her home country and the harrowing journey across the border. They faced starvation, dehydration, exhaustion and humiliation. But they knew their lives would be better "up North."
Once captured and detained by Homeland Security, we see what really happens behind the scenes of the detention center. We also see how Rosy meets an immigration attorney and is aided by Julie Schwietert Collazo, founder of Immigrant Families Together, the grassroots organization that reunites mothers and children.
Oddly, toward the end of the book, we hear from Julie and get her side of the story. While her story was well written, it interrupted the flow and I'm not sure it added much.
Overall, this book was interesting and I'm glad I read it, but I'm not sure I would recommend it to friends. I much preferred American Dirt, even though it is fiction. Because this topic interests me, I will be on the lookout for more content from "ownvoices" authors.
I appreciate the opportunity to receive a copy from NetGalley and Harper One. I also listened to the audiobook version once it was published.