Journey to el Norte

About the Book

Journey to el Norte is the story of a boy dreaming of horses and haciendas in rural Mexico who then heeds the call of el Norte and comes to work in the fields of the United States. In episodes that are drawn in painterly detail, the book narrates his charmed childhood; a pastoral that sustains the grown man as he faces border patrols, Immigration surveillance, demanding relatives and tedious sweat labor. Tender and dramatic, humorous and moving by turns, it is written in a poetic prose of remarkable clarity. This is above all a poignant tale of love lost and love found.

“An emotionally rich, lucidly written account of the dilemma faced by the migrant worker from Mexico. The book superbly establishes a sense of place and person while evoking a lyrical mood.” P. Hockings, Editor-in-Chief Visual Anthropology

About the Author

W.D. Merchant has taught history and anthropology at several universities and colleges. Her keen sensitivity to cultural nuances lends authenticity to her writings. Besides her academic research she has published her childhood memoir, Home on the Hill: A Bombay Girlhood. Juan Martinez was born and raised in Mexico. His life has mirrored the quintessential immigrant pattern of initial struggle leading to success. His experiences validate the bittersweet life of the main character in the book.