The Land Of Open Graves Analysis

The second portion of “The Land of Open Graves” is dynamically different than that of the first portion. An increased use of personal interviews and emotional conversations change the tone of the novel, but manages to stay impactful and tasteful throughout. The author’s theme during this second half of the book was the emotional damage that the border inflicted on those that attempted to cross it. The damage was those who made the journey, as well as those people who knew others crossing the desert at this time.
This second half of the book left me more emotionally numb that the first half attempted to. The opening about Memo and Lucho offered some comedic relief, but then the third part of the book brought to mind the ultimate price of crossing the desert – death. The first scene describing the students finding a migrant’s body in the desert was rather captivating. The idea of finding a body lying in the desert, sends the ultimate message – the United States is not the place for you. The picture of her body added to this idea, as we see her face down in the sand. Her death was symbolic of the effort of the migrants. They fall “face forward” as they reach for their destination, …show more content…
Christian’s description of his “successful” border crossing is rather perplexing. He spend amble time in prison, away from his family and people he knew. He was forced to be alone, isolated and without direction – something indicative of those who lose everything in the desert. Christian, who was released – under bond – was able to buy a bus ticket to New York and start a new life. However, this “new life” had many roots in the old world – as he sent money and goods back to his home in Ecuador. This struggle also highlights the strength of family during this transition – because family is what helped Christian make it, and Christian also helped to support his