Infinite Country by Patricia Engel has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of immigration and family separation. Reviewers commend the emotional depth and relatable characters but note that its nonlinear timeline can be confusing. Overall, it’s considered a powerful and timely narrative on the American immigrant experience.

Readers who enjoy immigrant narratives, complex family dynamics, and lyrical prose will find Infinite Country by Patricia Engel captivating. Comparable to works like American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins and The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall, this novel appeals to those interested in poignant tales of resilience and cultural identity.

In Infinite Country by Patricia Engel, Mauro and Elena, a Colombian couple, emigrate to the United States but become undocumented immigrants when their visas expire. After Mauro is deported, Elena raises their three children alone. The story follows their youngest daughter, Talia, as she escapes a Colombian reformatory to reunite with her family in the U.S., highlighting the family's struggles with immigration, separation, and resilience. The novel includes incidents of rape, violence, and substance use.

Melancholic / Emotional / Contemplative / Hopeful / Bittersweet

- Infinite Country is authored by Patricia Engel, a Colombian American writer who has received critical acclaim for her exploration of themes related to immigration and identity.
- Patricia Engel was inspired to write Infinite Country by her personal experiences within the Colombian diaspora, allowing her to infuse the narrative with authenticity and nuanced perspectives.
- Infinite Country became a New York Times bestseller, reflecting its strong resonance with readers and the impactful storytelling of its author.

**Talia**  
A clever and fearless young girl born in the United States to Colombian parents, who navigates challenging circumstances and strives to reunite with her family after a life-altering event.

**Elena**  
Talia's mother, a perceptive and resolute woman who immigrates to the United States from Colombia and works as a nanny, while dealing with various adversities to support her family.

**Mauro**  
Talia's father, a man wrestling with his past and alcoholism, who shares Andean myths with Talia and dreams of a better life for his family in the United States.

**Perla**  
Elena's mother, who raises Talia in Colombia and is characterized by her dedication to family traditions and religious practices, while running a small laundry business.

**Karina**  
The eldest child of Elena and Mauro, born in Colombia, who grapples with her identity and aspirations in the United States while her writings reveal her complex perspective.

**Nando**  
Fernando, often called Nando, is Talia's older brother and the family's first US citizen, an artist who struggles with feelings of belonging and identity within the immigrant experience.

Patricia Engel

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Chapters 24-30

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