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Summary
Topanga Canyon is home to two couples on a collision course. Los Angeles liberals Delaney and Kyra Mossbacker lead an ordered sushi-and-recycling existence in a newly gated hilltop community: he is a sensitive nature writer, she an obsessive realtor. Mexican illegals Candido and America Rincon desperately cling to their vision of the American Dream as they fight off starvation in a makeshift camp deep in the ravine. These four and their opposing worlds gradually intersect in what becomes a tragicomedy of error and misunderstanding.
I just couldn't get through this book. I was anticipating the plot to kick off, but it seemed like it was all just setting the stage. I gave it a few hours of my time, but it felt like a constant stream of negativity, sadness, and misfortune. This is actually the first audiobook that I had to give up on. I had actually checked out the reviews before purchasing it, and I'm honestly surprised that so many people enjoyed it. I guess I'm more into murder mysteries and thrilling stories.
This book offers a grim perspective, showcasing the absence of hope and viable solutions. The characters depicted here are self-centered individuals, with a propensity for selfishness and even a hint of inherent rapacity. Their primary concern revolves around ensuring their own comfort, leaving little room for redemption. In short, this story provides a concise summary of a world where darkness prevails.
I absolutely adored 'The Tortilla Curtain' from beginning to end. If you're familiar with any of Boyle's previous books and they tickled your fancy, then chances are this one will do the trick as well.
I had a great time listening to the author narrate his book. It was truly eye-opening to me as I got to understand the unique challenges that each character had to confront.
This book gets really repetitive, with the characters going through the same type of situations again and again. And let's not forget about the author's poor choice of words. There's this one character who's supposed to be uneducated, but he randomly starts using these fancy and complicated words that don't fit his vocabulary at all.
Most writers should just stick to writing and leave the audio narration to the professionals, but T.C. Boyle does an excellent job with "The Tortilla Curtain." This story revolves around two Mexican immigrants who reside on the dangerous and harsh side of the U.S. border. In a time when immigrants are often targeted for various societal issues, this book sheds light on the economic interdependence between Americans and their Mexican neighbors.
Similar to the maids in "The Help" during the sixties, the illegal immigrants in this story face exploitation due to their lack of protections and rights compared to other American workers. Employers, "coyotes," and even imported Mexican criminals take advantage of their vulnerable situation.
Even individuals who consider themselves open-minded, educated, and well-intentioned can be influenced by the prevailing attitudes and prejudices in their culture. Victim blaming becomes a common justification for such attitudes. The book delves into the psychology of power as wealthy Californians in the story grapple with conflicting emotions, including sympathy, territorialism, and the desire for cheap labor to maintain their lawns.
Like all of T.C. Boyle's works, "The Tortilla Curtain" is a captivating story with compelling protagonists who can be simultaneously frustrating and endearing. Boyle's thorough research is evident, accurately portraying the intricate economic and interpersonal dynamics of California's cultural blend.
This thought-provoking read is complemented by excellent narration. I highly recommend it.
I've liked the author's short stories before, but this novel didn't really do it for me. There aren't any characters that I found likable, and the story itself felt a bit far-fetched without quite hitting the mark of being a fantasy. There were so many small details trying to make it feel authentic, but it just didn't resonate with me.
Reviews like this are few and far between in today's book landscape, and it's a shame because exceptional reads like "The Tortilla Curtain" deserve more attention. Without a doubt, this book is a timeless classic, boasting top-tier writing that captivates from start to finish. The story itself is incredibly gripping, with events and emotions that hit with a powerful resonance. Even the audio narration is outstanding, making it easily one of the best audiobooks I've come across.
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