In 'Lost Children Archive', Valeria Luiselli masterfully interweaves the story of a family road trip with the harrowing plight of migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border. As the family's dynamics unravel amidst their journey, the narrative delves into themes of loss, displacement, and the quest for belonging. With lyrical prose and a profound exploration of how stories shape reality, the novel challenges readers to confront the often-ignored tragedies of immigration. Luiselli's unique structure, blending intimate personal experiences with the broader socio-political landscape, keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Will the family find their destination, or will the echoes of lost children haunt them forever?
By Valeria Luiselli
Published: 2020
""We have become so skilled at narrating the world, we forget that the stories we tell can shape reality itself.""
NEW YORK TIMES 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • “An epic road trip [that also] captures the unruly intimacies of marriage and parenthood ... This is a novel that daylights our common humanity, and challenges us to reconcile our differences.” —The Washington Post In Valeria Luiselli’s fiercely imaginative follow-up to the American Book Award-winning Tell Me How It Ends, an artist couple set out with their two children on a road trip from New York to Arizona in the heat of summer. As the family travels west, the bonds between them begin to fray: a fracture is growing between the parents, one the children can almost feel beneath their feet. Through ephemera such as songs, maps and a Polaroid camera, the children try to make sense of both their family’s crisis and the larger one engulfing the news: the stories of thousands of kids trying to cross the southwestern border into the United States but getting detained—or lost in the desert along the way. A breath-taking feat of literary virtuosity, Lost Children Archive is timely, compassionate, subtly hilarious, and formally inventive—a powerful, urgent story about what it is to be human in an inhuman world.
Valeria Luiselli is a Mexican author renowned for her innovative narrative style and exploration of themes such as migration, identity, and the complexities of modern life. Her notable works include 'Los ingrávidos' ('The Weight of Our Souls'), 'Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions,' and 'The Lost Children Archive,' which received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and rich, multilayered narratives. Luiselli's writing often blends fiction with non-fiction, employing a unique voice that challenges traditional narrative structures and invites readers to engage with pressing social issues. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Metcalf Award.
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SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEY'S WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A delicious, important novel' The Times 'Alert, alive and gripping' Independent 'Some novels tell a great story and others make you change the way you look at the world. Americanah does both.' Guardian As teenagers in a Lagos secondary school, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. Ifemelu--beautiful, self-assured--departs for America to study. She suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships and friendships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze--the quiet, thoughtful son of a professor--had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a writer of an eye-opening blog about race in America. But when Ifemelu returns to Nigeria, and she and Obinze reignite their shared passion--for their homeland and for each other--they will face the toughest decisions of their lives. Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story of love and expectation set in today's globalized world.
In 'The Referral Engine', John Jantsch reveals the secret to transforming your business through the power of referrals. He provides actionable strategies that turn satisfied customers into enthusiastic advocates. By understanding the psychology behind referrals, readers learn how to create a system that generates a steady stream of new clients. This book is not just about getting recommendations; it's about building relationships that drive sustainable growth. Dive in to discover how to leverage the influence of others to supercharge your success!
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In 'White Teeth', Zadie Smith weaves a vibrant tapestry of post-colonial London through the intertwining lives of two families. As secrets and histories unfold, themes of immigration, identity, and cultural conflict emerge, painting a rich portrait of modern life. The tale is both humorous and poignant, exploring the complexities of family heritage and the search for belonging. With unforgettable characters and a sharp social commentary, Smith invites readers to question what truly connects us. Can the past ever be fully reconciled with the present, or does it remain a haunting specter?
In 'Other Minds', Peter Godfrey-Smith takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into the consciousness of cephalopods—intelligent creatures of the ocean. Exploring the evolution of minds, he delves into what it means to think and perceive in ways radically different from humans. Through captivating anecdotes and scientific insight, he unveils the mysteries of octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, revealing their surprising problem-solving skills and complex behaviors. But what can these enigmatic beings teach us about the nature of intelligence itself? Join Godfrey-Smith in this thought-provoking exploration that challenges our understanding of consciousness and the animal world.
In "Find a Way," Diana Nyad recounts her extraordinary journey of resilience and determination as she embarks on a grueling mission to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64. Despite facing daunting challenges, including harsh ocean currents and the threat of jellyfish stings, Nyad's indomitable spirit drives her to push the limits of human endurance. Interweaving themes of perseverance, hope, and self-discovery, the narrative explores what it truly means to follow one's dreams against all odds. Readers will be captivated by Nyad's personal reflections and the mental fortitude required to achieve the seemingly impossible. This inspiring tale leaves us questioning: what barriers are we willing to break to find our own paths?
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“"We have become so skilled at narrating the world, we forget that the stories we tell can shape reality itself."”
Lost Children Archive
By Valeria Luiselli
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