Esperanza is a young girl born into a rich family in the 1930´s. She always believed her life would stay the same with the people she loved most around her, but on the day before her birthday, her family got the news that bandits killed Esperanza´s father. Esperanza´s uncles take the opportunity to force apart her family and destroy their home. Esperanza, her mother, and a few servants escape Mexico and into California looking for fieldwork. Esperanza has to adjust to a life of poverty and the loss of her father and her grandmother who was not able to come. With the threat of her uncles finding out where they are and the pushing of a strike breaking out among the masses of workers, she struggles to find a moment of clarity. One day an unbearable dust storm arises and the following day, Esperanza´s mother gets so sick they have to take her to a hospital they can barely afford. Her mom continues to be ill for months and Esperanza starts to lose hope of her getting better and her grandma arriving. Esperanza saves money, planning a way for her grandma to come, and eventually, her mom leaves the hospital. She feels that her life is turning around and things will improve until one day Esperanza has a bad argument with one of their former servants, Miguel. Her words cause him to leave and look for another job up north, taking Esperanza´s saved money simultaneously. She is furious until weeks later when he returns with someone she misses dearly. Throughout the book, Ryan displays themes of poverty and being grateful for the things you have.
This book was interesting and had real-world issues that were presented throughout the novel. The author brought up the struggles of women and fieldworkers that are tied to events in history. I agree with the issues it brought forth because of how real it is and the amount of people who struggle with money and supporting their families. I think it is important for people to learn more about topics like this and be grateful for what they have.
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