Hi. We’ve had much milder temperatures lately … the weather went from -25F the week before to 40F this past week … Wow what a huge difference it makes. We’re happy here again, see Stella at left with her trusty ball and the city skyline in the background. And it’s staying light a tad bit later nearing 6 p.m. Have you noticed? This is all positive news though we still have to get through February. So perhaps let’s not celebrate the coming of spring just yet.
Meanwhile this week I’ve been reading about all the controversy and backlash against Jeanine Cummins’s immigration novel “American Dirt” for which she was reportedly paid an advance of more than a million. While various authors, including some Latino writers, have highly praised the thriller-type book for being a moving story that gives some insights into why we desperately need immigration reform, other Chicano/Latino writers have slammed Cummins for propagating stereotypes and appropriating the story of Mexican migrants and exploiting their suffering. Uh-oh, cultural appropriation has been at the forefront of battles with authors these past many years … and apparently Cummins isn’t Mexican and she doesn’t speak Spanish. But she has said she did five years worth of research for the book and traveled to Mexico and throughout the borderlands to get a feel for it.
Others are mad that Cummins’s novel is getting huge attention (such as being picked for Oprah’s book club) instead of more authentic ones. As Chicano author David Bowles has said: “There is nothing wrong with a non-Mexican writing about the plight of Mexicans. What’s wrong is erasing authentic voices to sell an inaccurate cultural appropriation for millions.” Ouch. In addition David J. Schmidt in an article for the Huffington Post wrote he was bothered that “American Dirt” had in it borrowed elements from such authors books as Luis Alberto Urrea and Sonia Nazario. Hmm really? He says her book “leans much more heavily on these preexisting works than on any original research.” Check out his article here.
So this is where it stands now. I guess in a perfect world, people would be able to read both: literary fiction from “authentic” authors and thrillers from those who care and research an issue and want to make a point. I still plan to read “American Dirt” but will have in mind others whose immigration stories I should get to as well. As critic Ron Charles of the Washington Post wrote: “If “American Dirt” … motivates some Americans to fight against this country’s immoral immigration actions along the Southern border, then more power to Jeanine Cummins. And once engaged in that struggle, these readers might move on to better books.” Hmm. What do you think about this controversy? Will you read it? I guess I can see both sides of the hoopla and I’m still thinking about it. For now I’ll leave you with a couple of reviews of two novels I finished lately.
The Innocents by Michael Crummey, 304 pages, Doubleday, 2019
Synopsis: After sickness overcomes their parents, a pre-adolescent sister and brother are left orphaned and alone in a place their parents built in an isolated cove on Newfoundland’s northern coastline in the 1800s. The two must contend with their own survival amid the harsh, isolated natural conditions, and eventually their own physical awakenings.
My Thoughts: It’s true I have only read two of Michael Crummey’s five novels but already he could be my favorite Canadian author writing these days … although I also like Margaret Atwood, David Chariandy and various others. Crummey hails from Newfoundland and lives in St. John’s, which is a world away from where we are in western Canada. I’d really like to visit the eastern Canadian coastline sometime. Crummey writes amazingly about the natural world, and past ways of life, and the two novels I’ve read of his combine these elements.
In this novel “The Innocents” I felt like I was right there observing these two sibling orphans amid their daily lives in their isolated Newfoundland cove in the 1800s. Their speech, the conditions, their need to get food from their little boat, and their isolation all conjure up the atmosphere of the place and water and waves of their cove. From comments on Goodreads, I guess that some found the novel slow-going, but I found it quite captivating and not very long. I was curious about their survival and arduous lives and the nature surrounding them.
As the two kids age into their later teenage years, the storyline of their relations does not exactly go where you want it to go … though it explores the situation quite subtly …. of these two very isolated people left very young with no guidance or much human contact. They’re young’uns rather innocent to know too much better, and the story follows the tensions between them realistically. It’s not a matter you like to think about … but the author makes their lives very believable and you wonder what will become of these two in the cove and if they will come to leave.
I’m glad Catherine over at the blog The Gilmore Guide to Books also read and liked “The Innocents.” See her review here. And here is my review of Crummey’s enjoyable 2014 novel “Sweetland.”
Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett / 354 pages/ Tin House / 2019
Synopsis: When a father who is a taxidermist suddenly passes away, his adult kids and wife who live in a small Florida town find their worlds rocked with grief and change. The protagonist Jessa, 30-ish, her father’s favorite, takes over the family’s taxidermy business but seems to be having a rough go of it, as well as her brother Milo, a father of two who has little interest in work, and their mother who seems to be in a full-on crisis, making art of animals posed in provocative positions. In addition, siblings Milo and Jessa are longing for the same woman, Brynn, who they grew up and fell in love with … but who has left them, skipping town years before.
My Thoughts: I listened to this novel as an audiobook read by Jesse Vilinsky who does a good job inhabiting Jessa’s narrative as she tries to right her family’s downward trajectory after the death of her father. It alternates between the present — with her continuing his taxidermy business and trying to keep her family from derailing — and the past with her longing after the love of her life, Brynn, who became her brother’s wife, but skipped town on both of them.
This is a family on the brink kind of story though a bit quirkily told … and it keeps you waiting to see if Jessa, her brother Milo and her mother will be able to recover and rebound. I liked the present-day story of the family a bit more than the alternating past one. It’s definitely a different kind of tale with a lot of the taxidermy trade — cutting up of dead animals — and the physical relationships of the gay protagonist Jessa, who’s in love with the same woman her brother is. I told you it has a different take. (Therefore beware if you’re uncomfortable about reading about dead animals and gay relationships.)
I realize taxidermy might make for an interesting metaphor for a novel … of dissecting lives etc. … but it proved a bit too much for me at times; I’m a little overly sensitive about animals and this story has a lot of dead ones in it. The author also seems to overdo a bit the smells and tastes in the novel of gross stuff like … blood, vomit, periods, bodily fluids, dead gunk, you name it … it’s probably in here. She definitely likes to get to the tangible aspects of things.
Still “Mostly Dead Things” did make a few Best of 2019 lists such as at The New Yorker … and the author seems talented and has a fresh sense of seeing things … so I’m glad I made it through the novel — even if it was a bit too much for me at times. I’ll be curious to see what Arnett writes next. Surely it’ll be a bit strange and funny/quirky I think.
That’s all for now. What about you have you read these novels — and if so, what did you think?
That controversy! Whoa, I find it upsetting. Like you, I do see the side of the passed over novelists and the playing field sure is not level (is that the right word?) I would guess that the thriller aspect is what helped her sell it. I think I will wait for your review or until things settle down–they will.
It sounds like I better get acquainted with Michael Crummey!
I don’t mind reading about gay relationships one bit, but cutting up animals does give me pause.
I hope your warmer weather lasts a while.
Thanks Judy. The weather looks good for the week ahead. I’m now interested in Crummey’s older novels: Galore (2009) and River Thieves (2001). See if I can get to those this year. The American Dirt book sure has caused an explosion. I better understand now why some are so upset.
I think that your attitude on American Dirt makes good sense. Reading it but go on and consider some other authors. You may have seen my Tweets on the issue, I am strongly opposed to what is being described as cancel culture especially for authors. If you search twitter at this moment, the rage directed at Crummy was murdering people. Ironically the controversy may help sales of the book.
We have had a very mild winter here on Long Island. Hopefully that will continue.
Hi Brian: it’s nice that your mild winter continues. I think I have seen your tweets about cultural appropriation … and you believe authors should be able to write about what ever culture they want right? Just want to make sure I’m understanding your position. cheers.
I’ve read American Dirt and it’s very compelling – there’s tension throughout the book. I’ve been following along with all the controversy and just don’t know what to think. I’m still mulling it all over.
The Innocents sounds good but I think I’ll pass on Mostly Dead Things.
Hi Kathy, glad you have already read Dirt and can confirm what it’s like. I’m sure it’ll be as you said. I’ll probably like it but still wonder about the other stories that need to get out or more exposure. Hmm. It’s got me thinking about both sides.
I count Mexican immigrants to this country among my neighbors and friends and I employ Mexican immigrants to help me with my house and garden. That certainly doesn’t make me an expert on the culture, but I do appreciate it and them. I’ve followed the controversy about Cummins’ book with interest. I do plan to read it and make up my own mind about it. I tend to agree with those who say that if it helps to bring attention to the cruel policies of our current government regarding immigrants, then that is a good thing.
Crummey’s book sounds interesting. I don’t recall having heard of it before. I believe I liked Arnett’s book a lot more than you did. I found her to be quite a talented writer.
Hi Dorothy / thanks for your perspective. I guess I’d like to read Dirt and make up my own mind as well. I think the book & controversy are bringing attention to Mexican migrants already, right? I recall your review of Arnett’s book and I think you did like it more than me …. though I agree the author has promise and talent. It was a different kind of story for sure.
Ah, American Dirt! I’ve struggled with whether or not to actually read it much of last week. The more I read about the controversy the more reluctant I feel to support the book by reading. I definitely don’t feel that I’m in a position (as a privileged white woman) to judge the merits of the criticism against the book.
To me, the fault really lies in the marketing of American Dirt. The emphasis was on it being the next great “Americas” novel and being a relevant look at immigration, on top of (and often above) being a thriller. Interestingly, comparisons to The Grapes of Wrath seem to have been recently pulled.
For myself, I’ve decided not to read American Dirt, at least for now. I had pre-ordered a copy, but returned it. I have no problem with anyone else reading the book, but wanted to lend a sort of silent support to the many Latinix voices speaking up about stereotypes they see perpetuated in the novel.
Thanks Susie for your thoughts and input. I commend you for taking a stand on it. I hope all the focus on the controversy will bring more attention to the migrant issue itself and to other books & writers as well. I know what you mean about the marketing (fault) of the book … being the end all … and blowing it out of proportion … like it’s the greatest immigration book of all time … when there’s been many Mexican/Latino stories out there. I probably will read it sometime … but will have all these thoughts in mind.
The controversy surrounding American Dirt took me by surprise and gave me pause. I can see both sides and am not quite sure whether to read it now or not. I’m pretty far down the library hold list, so will have plenty of time to think about it…
Hey JoAnn … yeah I can see both sides too. I’m also on the library wait list for it so I’ll see how I feel after it comes in. I’m inclined to read it & see.
Since I already have American Dirt, I will read it, keeping in mind the issues that developed into a controversy. I am drawn to anything that will publicize the horrors at the Southern border.
Enjoy your week and your books.
Thanks Laurel for your input. Yeah I agree a bit … if it’s publicizing what’s going on then I sort of want to know. I feel it should be heard along with other books about it too. If it’s a stereotype then we will see.
It’s funny because there was nothing but love for American Dirt until Oprah picked it for her club. Then, all of a sudden the other opinions started flooding in. I get it. I do. I was looking forward to finally getting a copy but honestly, not so excited about it now. I will still read it though.
I am glad your weather warmed up a little. This week we have near 70 degree temps but still cool in the early morning hours. I cannot get warm this winter. I am beginning to think there is something wrong with me. It’s not that cold.
Hi Ti, 70 degree temps sound good to me though I’m sure it’s cool in the mornings. Did that Kobe crash happen anywhere near your area? It was just awful & crazy that they flew in the fog. Terrible that kids were in there. Ugh.
I know what you mean about being less enthused about American Dirt now … it feels sullied.
I’m so sad about the controversy about American Dirt. All I heard a few months ago was good buzz and now all I am hearing is bad buzz. It is very disappointing.
I hope you have a lovely week!
Hi Deb, Yeah I know what you mean. It just feels like blah now about American Dirt. A lot of bad buzz for sure; I can’t seem to get back my enthusiasm. Have fun in Paris!
I’m not following the controversy close enough to know what to think of it. Like you, I can see both sides. I do wonder how the author is feeling about it? This is probably not the way she wanted to get attention for her book.
I’m so glad you liked The Innocents. And Michael Crummey. He’s definitely one of my favourite authors, too. Have fun reading the rest of his novels – I wish I still had one to read for the first time!
Thanks Naomi. Yes I look forward to reading Crummey’s novels Galore and River Thieves and wonder what he’ll write next. He says he often snoops for his story ideas in the Archives. As for the American Dirt author …. the controversy has become quite unfortunate … and out of control.
I’ve decided not to read American Dirt. After reading so many articles written by Latinx people who are critical of it, I can’t read it. It’s not like I have a shortage of books to read; although I may read one of the books on the lists I have seen going around of Latinx authors to read instead. I basically feel like the commenter Susie up above about the situation.
I might read Mostly Dead Things just because it has a flamingo on the cover and I love flamingos! 🙂
Thanks Rachel for weighing in on American Dirt. I can see your point. There’s many Latino authors to read about immigration issues. I’ve added a couple to my TBR list. Apparently Kristen Arnett is a big Florida kind of writer … so it’s nice she has a flamingo on the cover, though most of the birds in the story are being stuffed via the taxidermy trade … so beware if you can handle that.