The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle
I couldn't get enough of East Is East, so I decided to pick up another TC Boyle novel. And why not make it his most famous? Plus, it takes place in LA, where I used to live.
This was a much more difficult read because it forced me to look at what was going on all around me: the struggle between the haves and have-nots, specifically the Mexicans and the Whites. (Which is funny because I'm half Mexican and my family is pretty well off, but this was still a hugely illuminating read.)
The lives of two Mexican illegal aliens are interwoven with those of a wealthy family living in Topanga Canyon. While the Mexicans desperately struggle for basic necessities, the wealthy struggle for security. They want a carefree life in their housing development at the top of the canyon, but wildlife and crime keeps getting in.
The frequent collision of these two worlds leads to a denouement of destruction and purification.
General consensus: A gripping, uncomfortable tale that makes the reader reassess her value system.
Specific consensus: I'll never view poor illegal aliens from Mexico with apathy or slight aversion again. (By the way, I hate the term illegal aliens but I don't know how else to isolate what I'm trying to express.) I ranted to my friend that rather than try to avoid them or build a wall to keep them out, the logical reaction would be compassion. What about finding out why Mexicans are coming over to America in droves and then helping them with their fundamental problem(s)? I hear people saying because the crime and poverty are so bad there, but it seems like a gloss. What are the details here? What can actually be done?
No comments:
Post a Comment