And the Earth Did Not Devour Him/Y No Se Lo Trago LA Tierra

Excellent Insight on the Migrant Worker Experience

This excellent book by Tomas Rivera highlights in an unusual way the migrant worker experience during the 50s. As if written in journal fashion, it presents short story versions of the experience: from poor and dangerous working conditions faced by both adults and children (a child actually gets killed for sneaking water while working in the fields) to the abuse and exploitation of people unaware of the requirements of the dominant culture. The book is heartwrenching and yet inspiring in that the character at the ends finds a way to rise above the difficulties that seemed so overwhelming. It's not a book with a "happy ending," but it will connect the reader to the experience of overcoming real obstacles and adversity.