KnitAFett reviewed Solito by Javier Zamora
Definitely worth a read.
5 stars
Javier is a migrant that made the journey to "la usa" as a child with strangers. The recollection of emotions and trials that he experienced is a testament to how ingrained the experience is, from the good moments to the traumatizing ones. He tells it from his perspective as a child, and he does not hold back on his fears or worries to try to cover up what some adults would likely be too anxious to ever put down into words. He also does not try to fill in gaps or add extra information to try to get points across. There is a lot of information that you do not know about because the kids wake up to adults arguing or things happening and they just have to run. Unless he got an answer on what was going on, the blanks are left in.
There is a lot of misconception …
Javier is a migrant that made the journey to "la usa" as a child with strangers. The recollection of emotions and trials that he experienced is a testament to how ingrained the experience is, from the good moments to the traumatizing ones. He tells it from his perspective as a child, and he does not hold back on his fears or worries to try to cover up what some adults would likely be too anxious to ever put down into words. He also does not try to fill in gaps or add extra information to try to get points across. There is a lot of information that you do not know about because the kids wake up to adults arguing or things happening and they just have to run. Unless he got an answer on what was going on, the blanks are left in.
There is a lot of misconception on what crossing the border looks like and I feel like this could help some understand what actually goes on. But I don't know if it would really be the best option for that because while the journey is harrowing and dangerous and bad things happen, I feel like Javier and his group ultimately found quite a bit of luck along the journey, and this is especially noted when they speak to other families that have been sent back into Mexico.
I'm very glad that I read this book and I feel like it would be a worthwhile read for anyone to be able to get a glimpse into what the journey into America can look like.
