Assignment Question
The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande Write a formal essay that has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion respond to the following: Question: *Give a brief summary of the story/plot: highlighting the beginning, middle and end. Then argue what you think was the most interesting/compelling/thought-provoking part of the book and WHY? Use lots of evidence from the novel to support your opinion.
Answer
Introduction
Reyna Grande’s memoir, “The Distance Between Us,” stands as a remarkable and poignant exploration of her tumultuous life journey. It beautifully unfolds the chapters of her existence, shedding light on the heart-wrenching beginning in a small Mexican village, the treacherous middle, and ultimately, the bittersweet end of her journey as an undocumented immigrant in the United States. This paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the book, commencing with a succinct summary of the plot’s key elements. Subsequently, it endeavors to delve deeper, addressing the most captivating and thought-provoking aspects of the narrative. Through meticulous scrutiny and a wealth of evidence extracted directly from the novel, this paper seeks to illuminate the profound and compelling facets that render Grande’s story a powerful and relatable narrative.
Plot Summary
“The Distance Between Us” begins with Reyna’s early childhood in a small Mexican village, where she and her siblings struggle in poverty, lacking parental care as her parents pursue the American dream across the border. The middle of the narrative follows her tumultuous journey to rejoin her parents in the United States, encountering various obstacles and hardships. The story then unfolds towards a bittersweet end as Reyna navigates the complexities of life in the United States as an undocumented immigrant, her hopes, and the realization of the American dream intertwined with the sacrifice and separation from her family.
Most Compelling Part of the Book
The most compelling part of “The Distance Between Us” is the depiction of Reyna Grande’s resilience and determination throughout her journey to reunite with her parents in the United States. Her relentless pursuit of the American dream and her unwavering love for her family are portrayed vividly, making it a thought-provoking and emotional experience for readers. Reyna’s early years in Mexico were marked by abject poverty and a lack of parental guidance. As her parents crossed the border into the United States to find better opportunities, they left Reyna and her siblings in the care of their indifferent grandmother. This part of the story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities that many children face in the pursuit of a better life, as they endure hardships and separation from their parents. For Reyna, this period of her life is both heart-wrenching and captivating, as she yearns for her parents’ return.
The middle portion of the narrative delves into Reyna’s harrowing journey across the border with her siblings, facing life-threatening challenges and the constant fear of being caught by border patrol. This section of the book is riveting, as it illustrates the perilous circumstances faced by undocumented immigrants, highlighting the human cost of immigration policies. Reyna’s determination to reunite with her parents in the face of adversity is truly inspiring and makes the reader question the harsh realities of immigration. The end of the story, where Reyna reflects on her life in the United States and the emotional toll it has taken on her family, is equally compelling. Her portrayal of the sacrifices and struggles faced by undocumented immigrants, including the constant fear of deportation, discrimination, and the pursuit of the American dream, is thought-provoking. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the lengths to which people will go to provide a better life for their families.
Evidence from the Novel
One of the most poignant moments in the book is when Reyna, at a young age, learns about her parents’ departure for the United States. She describes the “fading sound of our parents’ footsteps” as they left their children behind (Grande 25). This early separation lays the foundation for Reyna’s determination to bridge the distance between them. In the middle of the narrative, Reyna’s encounter with a “coyote” who helps her cross the border is filled with tension and fear. She writes, “My heart raced as he led us through the dark wilderness” (Grande 98). This passage exemplifies the danger and uncertainty that undocumented immigrants face during their journey. Towards the end of the story, Reyna reflects on the challenges she and her family have faced in the United States, saying, “The distance between us has taken its toll” (Grande 220). This quote encapsulates the emotional toll of their immigration journey and the enduring love that binds her family together.
Conclusion
“The Distance Between Us” by Reyna Grande is a captivating memoir that highlights the beginning, middle, and end of her journey as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico to the United States. The most compelling part of the book is Reyna’s unyielding determination and the sacrifices she makes to reunite with her parents. Her resilience in the face of adversity, along with the harsh realities of immigration, makes this narrative a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story. Through vivid storytelling and poignant moments, Grande’s memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the enduring strength of the immigrant spirit.
Works Cited
Grande, Reyna. “The Distance Between Us.” Atria Books, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is “The Distance Between Us” by Reyna Grande about?
A1: “The Distance Between Us” is a memoir by Reyna Grande, recounting her struggles as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico in the United States. It explores her early life in Mexico, her journey to reunite with her parents in the U.S., and the challenges she faces as an immigrant.
Q2: What makes “The Distance Between Us” compelling?
A2: The most compelling aspect of the book is Reyna Grande’s unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and reunite with her parents. This resilience reflects the strength of the immigrant spirit.
Q3: How does Reyna Grande depict the hardships of immigration?
A3: Grande vividly portrays the hardships of immigration through her experiences, including the perilous journey across the border, the fear of deportation, and the emotional toll it takes on her family.
Q4: What is the main message of the book?
A4: The book’s main message is to shed light on the human cost of immigration policies and the enduring strength of the immigrant spirit in the face of adversity.
Q5: Are there specific moments from the book that highlight its compelling nature?
A5: Yes, moments such as Reyna’s early separation from her parents, her dangerous border crossing, and the emotional toll on her family are particularly compelling and thought-provoking.
