Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

Book Review

I was surprised when I learned that Infinite Country’s publication date was March 2021, as I feel like I’ve seen it everywhere over the past few months. After reading the book, I can certainly see why it has received so much hype.

At just 190 pages, this short yet captivating book packs a serious punch. I think this would make a great book club selection, as the subject matter is highly relevant in today’s climate.

The book begins with Talia breaking out of a juvenile detention center in the mountains of Colombia. After coordinating the escape, Talia attempts to make her way to Bogota, where she has a plane ticket waiting for her. With her father in Colombia and her mother and siblings in the United States, Talia is caught in the middle of a mixed-status family. As we follow Talia on her journey to Bogota, we also learn about her parent’s story through a series of flashbacks. Mauro and Elena met in Colombia and moved to the United States in search of a better future for their growing family. However, after Mauro was arrested and deported, Elena was forced to decide between returning to her homeland to reunite her family or staying in the United States in the hopes of offering her children a brighter future.

This book shines a light on the precarious circumstances and impossible decisions undocumented immigrants are forced to face in the United States. While the plot is based on a fictional family, their heart-wrenching story is all too real. As the author gives a voice to all five family members, we see how each of them adapts to a life and a familial unit ripped apart by government regulations.

I absolutely loved this story, my only wish is that it had continued on for several more chapters. I felt it lacked a bit of depth in some areas - particularly in capturing the voices of Talia’s brother and sister. Nevertheless, this book deserves all the accolades and I highly recommend it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5