INFINITE COUNTRY

by Patricia Engel

With immigration at the southern U.S. border a hot topic in the news once again, it can be refreshing to read a fictional account of an immigration experience by someone who has actually lived it. Colombian-American writer Patircia Engel has created a memorable and unique story that has stayed with me for weeks after reading it.

Set in the United States and Colombia, Infinite Country follows a family in their journey between the two countries. After marrying young and having their first child, Elena and Mauro decide to try a life in America, entering as visitors and then letting their visas expire. They struggle to find work and housing, but manage to make a small place for themselves and their now three children, the youngest two born US citizens.

When Mauro is caught by ICE and sent back to Colombia, they make the heartbreaking decision to separate the children and send baby Talia to live with her father so that Elena can continue to work to support them all. Talia grows up with her father and grandmother with a feeling that she belongs neither in Colombia nor in the U.S. with her mother. She is a passionate teenager and has a big adventure of her own on the eve of her reunion with her mother.

Engel’s prose is engrossing and moves quickly through the family history and their fears of what is to come. Infinite Country feels like a perfect example of how the most specific and truthful stories are the ones that end up feeling the most universal in the way we connect with them emotionally.(Lily)