Description

‘Heartstopping… doesn’t let up… you will urge them on, fists clenched’ The Times

An extraordinary story of the lengths a mother will go to to save her son, AMERICAN DIRT has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. It’s time to read what you’ve been missing.

Lydia Perez owns a bookshop in Acapulco, Mexico, and is married to a fearless journalist. Luca, their eight-year-old son, completes the picture. But it only takes a bullet to rip them apart.

In a city in the grip of a drug cartel, friends become enemies overnight, and Lydia has no choice but to flee with Luca at her side. North for the border… whatever it takes to stay alive. The journey is dangerous – not only for them, but for those they encounter along the way. Who can be trusted? And what sacrifices is Lydia prepared to make?

*An Instant New York Times #1 Bestseller 2020*
*An Instant Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller 2020*
*Over 2 million copies sold globally*
*A Richard and Judy Bookclub Pick*
*An Oprah’s Book Club Pick*
*A BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime*

Publisher Review

Both a moral compass and a riveting read Riveting, timely, a dazzling accomplishment. Jeanine Cummins makes us all live and breathe the refugee story. If a book can change hearts and transform policies, this is the one Urgent and unforgettable, AMERICAN DIRT leaps the borders of the page and demands attention, especially now From the opening page your heart will be in your mouth You will never want to put this story down, Jeanine Cummins has written a novel of such moment, such danger and such compassion, it will change your view of the world From its heart-stopping first sentence to its heart-shattering last, Cummins' story of immigrants is just what we need now I devoured the novel in a dry-eyed adrenalin rush... profoundly moving * Washington Post * It's been a long time since I turned pages as fast as I did with American Dirt. Its journey is a testament to the power of fear and hope and belief that there are more good people than bad. AMERICAN DIRT transported me through genuine fear and had me willing on every human being struggling to get to a better life. Written with masterly restraint, it is a roaring human triumph One hell of a novel about a good woman on the run with her beautiful boy... I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it Taut, tough, visceral, savage and exhilaratingly written * i-Paper * This might be the first book many people read this year... it might also be the best * Irish Times * Stunning... remarkable... an account of love on the run that will never lose steam * Vogue * Heartstopping... doesn't let up... you will urge them on, fists clenched * The Times * This book is not simply the great American novel; it's the great novel of las Americas. It's the great world novel! This is the international story of our times. Masterful -- Sandra Cisneros Devastating and timely... its hard to imagine there will be a more urgent or politically relevant novel this year * Observer *