The New American is a novel written by Micheline Aharonian Marcom. Published in 2004, the book explores themes of identity, immigration, and the American Dream through the experiences of its protagonist, Emilio.

The story begins with Emilio, a young Guatemalan man who embarks on a treacherous journey to the United States in search of a better life. Fleeing violence and poverty in his homeland, Emilio joins a group of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally. The harrowing journey exposes him to the dangers and hardships faced by undocumented immigrants.

Upon reaching the United States, Emilio settles in Los Angeles and becomes part of a vibrant immigrant community. He finds work as a dishwasher and gradually builds a new life for himself. However, he soon realizes that the American Dream is not easily attainable. Despite his efforts to assimilate and succeed, Emilio faces numerous challenges and setbacks.

Marcom skillfully weaves together Emilio’s personal narrative with broader social and political issues. The novel delves into the complexities of immigration policy, discrimination, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Through Emilio’s experiences, Marcom sheds light on the human cost of immigration and challenges readers to confront their own biases and preconceptions.

The New American is notable for its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. Marcom’s writing style captures the emotional depth of her characters and immerses readers in their world. The novel also incorporates elements of magical realism, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

One of the central themes explored in The New American is the concept of identity. Emilio grapples with questions of belonging and cultural heritage as he navigates his new life in America. Marcom examines how individuals reconcile their past with their present circumstances, highlighting the complexities of cultural assimilation.

Another significant aspect of the novel is its exploration of power dynamics. Marcom exposes the unequal power structures that shape the lives of immigrants and people of color in America. Through Emilio’s encounters with racism, exploitation, and violence, the author sheds light on the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities.

Overall, The New American is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that offers a nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience. Marcom’s storytelling prowess and her ability to tackle complex themes make this book a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges faced by immigrants in America.

• The New American

• By: Micheline Aharonian Marcom
• Narrated by: Timothy Andrés Pabon

This “heartbreaking, heartbreaking story” (Kirkus Reviews) describes the epic journey of a young Guatemalan-American college student, a “dreamer,” who was deported and decided to return home. in California.

One day, Emilio learns a shocking secret: He has no identification. His parents, who immigrated from Guatemala to California, never told him.

Emilio slowly adjusts to his new normal. Everything was going well, he was in his sophomore year at UC Berkeley… when he got into a car accident, and – without a driver’s license or any identification – the officer had present at the scene reported him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

After being deported to Guatemala, Emilio is determined to return to California, the only home he has ever known. It’s an epic journey that takes him across thousands of miles and eventually into the Sonoran Desert of the US-Mexico border, meeting thieves and corrupt law enforcement but also people kind strangers and new friends.

Partly inspired by interviews with Central American refugees, and told in lyrical prose, Micheline Aharonian Marcom weaves a “powerful, heartbreaking” adventure story (Publishers Weekly). . In The New American, Marcom “describes inhumanity with force, but her steadfast empathy (and hope) shines above all” (Entertainment Weekly). This is a tragic story about a young man who risked a lot to return home.

A great book. The story is so engaging that you can’t stop reading. it’s so well written, touching, sad but really inspirational!

When Emilio, a Dreamer and student at UC Berkeley, is deported to Guatemala, he decides to risk everything to return to the only home he has ever known. In tense, beautiful prose, Marcom takes us along this harrowing journey. I feel like I’m living this challenge with Emilio and his new love, Matilde, my throat is parched, my feet are swollen, every moment is full of hope and terror. Yet for all the cruelty, violence and despair, there is still beauty, kindness, and love. Every page of the NEW MOTHER is horribly alive. Everything is all of one piece. And in the end, Marcom did the magic, lifting and opening our hearts. This is a beautiful and important book.

A book that offers insight and empathy into the difficulties of Central Americans escaping danger in their own country as well as American Dreamers who have never felt real. safe. Pay attention to the ending……nameless tombs As a reader, do we know to whom those tombs belong?

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