A review by mezzano
Indivisible by Daniel Aleman

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

When I learned that Indivisible by Daniel Aleman was about a family separated by deportation, I knew this story would be a heartbreaking one. I began reading this story for its timely content and representation. Far too often, the news covers immigration as if it was a faceless issue and not about the people who interact and enrich the community. This book offers the more human perspective of what it means when a family is separated by ICE. Despite this, the book is also about a teenage boy. Mateo is navigating college applications, extracurriculars, and relationships all while trying to care for his sister while both of his parents are locked at separate detention centers. Even with the help of from family friends, Mateo must endure an unfathomable situation and decide whether it is safe to disclose his immigration status with others. 

Understandably, this book is full of heartache. Both Mateo and his sister are dealing with trauma associated from family separation. Mental illness and emotional duress is a common discussion throughout the book. Mateo refrains from discussing his situation at school out of the attempt to have a "normal" part to his life, which strains his academics and relationships. Every step of the way, you feel how caught Mateo feels. More than anything, you hope for the best possible outcome for Mateo and his family even when the situation seems increasingly more impossible. There are some incredibly difficult moments in this novel, and yet each character asks "What now?" and pushes forward. Although not everything ends perfectly, this story perfectly balances a harsh reality with a hopeful future. 
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