I couldn’t put this novel down beginning with the first page. The superior writing pulled me in immediately. The visions of the characters, the land, the trains and everything intangible, made me feel as though I was watching a movie. I was literally on the edge of my seat at so many points in this novel. Wondering if they’d make that first jump on the train, if Beto would have an asthma attack, if Lorenzo was good or evil.

I can’t imagine fleeing my country in fear for my child’s (and my own) life. Taking nothing. Not a toothbrush, or walking shoes, or contact solution, or family heirlooms, or most of my family. Leaving that all behind for an uncertain future in an unfamiliar country.

I will think of Lydia, Luca, Soledad, Rebecca, Beto, The Jackal, Javier, Sebastian, and Lydia’s entire family for years to come. This was such an amazing read and I’m so glad I read it.