Return to Sender
by
Julia Alvarez
Order:
USA
Can
Knopf, 2009 (2009)
Hardcover, e-Book
Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke
J
ulia Alvarez (author of
Finding Miracles
,
Before We Were Free
and
A Gift of Gracias: The Legend of Altagracia
) now brings fans
Return To Sender
. The story takes place in the Green Mountain State of Vermont, focusing on the tribulations and trials of farming and a family's land on the brink of foreclosure. Two voices alternate in telling a powerful story, unveiling the truth that '
friendship has no borders
'.
T
yler Paquette is as patriotic as his family, but when he learns that his parents have hired
illegal aliens
to work on their Vermont farmland, the eleven-year old questions their intentions. Dad recently had a disabling tractor accident shortly after Grandpa's death; Mom's attention is torn between her husband's ailment, the needs of her children, and the running of the farm. Older brother Ben is hesitant about his upcoming plans for college, while sister Sara is occupied with extracurricular activities. With threats of losing their land, Tyler offers to quit school to help with farm chores.
T
he migrant family includes Papa, his three daughters (Mari, Luby, and Ofie) and two uncles, Tio Armando and Tio Felipe. Before moving to the New England farm, the migrants worked in North Carolina, travelling into the United States by bus from Las Margaritas, Mexico. The eldest, Mari, was born in Mexico, while Luby and Ofie were born in
Carolina Del Norte
. Months ago, Mama had to return to Mexico after receiving word that a relative was dying. The months have turned into a year, with no word from Mama.
H
oping letters will reach Mama when she returns to a North Carolina address, Mari describes the family's move to Vermont, the loneliness for Mama, and increasing fears of being found by
la migra
. Mama once told Mari: '
Whenever you feel sad or lonely or confused, just pick up a pen and write me a letter ... When you write down your thoughts to anyone, you do not feel so alone.
' Mari also writes letters to the U.S. president (without giving her last name), and to her Abuelita in Mexico. Papa warns Mari that she cannot mail the letters for fear that the authorities will trace the addresses.
T
yler misses Gramps, sharing the loss with Grandma who understands best what he feels. He treasures the telescope Gramps gave him before he died. On the gift card Gramps wrote: '
Anytime you feel lost, look up.
' And '
many times this summer and fall Tyler had done just that
', hugging the treasure to his heart. As a friendship develops, Tyler shares his knowledge of the skies with Mari, teaching her the constellations: Orion, the hunter; The Seven Sisters; Draco, the dragon; Pegasus, the flying horse, and much more. Grandma Paquette dotes on the three girls, including them in holiday celebrations, while, in turn, learning the varied observances of Mexican holidays.
T
here are Paquette family debates as to whether Grandma should be living alone. Grandma threatens to run away, and with the help of her Mexican friends, she hides out to get even with her family. Meanwhile, rumors abide that Homeland Security is making arrests. Tio Felipe is taken in by the authorities, facing trial, jail, and deportation.
J
ulia Alvarez writes: '
Dear readers, queridos lectores, Although this is a made-up story, the situation it describes is true ... farmers from Mexico and Central America are forced to come north to work because they can no longer earn a living from farming. They make the dangerous border crossing with 'coyotes', who charge them a lot of money and often take advantage. To keep out these migrants, a wall is being built between Mexico and the United States ... We are treating these neighbor countries and migrant helpers as if they were our worst enemies.
' The author also addresses the 2006 Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid - a dragnet known as
Operation Return to Sender
.
T
his is not a plot-driven story;
Return To Sender
focuses on social and moral life concerns. It is soothing, yet emotional, informative, yet a question–raiser. Alvarez's writings offer a compassionate narrative that unfolds as borders (emotional, mental, and physical) are crossed. The last two chapters – one Tyler's and another Mari's - are superbly written, showing the growing maturity of two friends across borders.
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