The Tortilla Curtain

by T.C. Boyle
The Tortilla Curtain cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 10181
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781408826768
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published: 2011-07-04
  • Reviews: 3

T.C. Boyle's 'The Tortilla Curtain' is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that examines the complexities of immigration, class, and the American dream. The story unfolds in the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern California, where the lives of two couples—one wealthy and the other struggling—intersect in unexpected ways. The novel is renowned for its sharp social commentary and vivid characterizations, offering a stark look at the societal divides that persist in contemporary America. /n/nBoyle's prose is both lyrical and unflinching, tackling themes of identity, privilege, and the harsh realities of life on the margins. The novel's intricate plot and richly drawn characters make it a compelling read that resonates long after the final page. 'The Tortilla Curtain' is a testament to Boyle's skill as a storyteller and his ability to illuminate the human condition with unparalleled insight.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2026-01-16
impactful 4.75

The drama, feeling, and stylistic bravado in the story of the Rincons are profoundly impactful. The emotional reach and depth of the narrative are particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer is deeply moved by the drama, feeling, and stylistic bravado in the story of the Rincons. They highlight the emotional reach and depth of the narrative, which they find profoundly impactful. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to craft a story that is both emotionally resonant and stylistically brilliant. The exploration of the characters and their experiences is particularly praised, making it a memorable and moving read.

Quick quotes

    In 'The Tortilla Curtain,' the drama, feeling and stylistic bravado, the emotional reach that Mr. Boyle brings to the story of the Rincons so profoundly exceed ...

    The drama, feeling, and stylistic bravado in the story of the Rincons are profoundly impactful.

    The emotional reach and depth of the narrative are particularly noteworthy.

Rosepoint Publishing · 2018-03-23
introspective 4.50

The book is a thought-provoking and introspective tale, brilliantly written but with more tragedy than satire. It is an unusual genre for the reviewer but highly impactful.

The reviewer finds the book to be a thought-provoking and introspective tale, brilliantly written despite being an unusual genre for them. They highlight the depth of the story and its impact, noting that it is more tragic than satirical. The reviewer appreciates the author's skill in crafting a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The story's exploration of its themes is particularly praised, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This is a very thought-provoking and introspective tale.

    Unusual genre for me, brilliantly written, though I found little satire here more than tragedy.

    The book is a thought-provoking and introspective tale, brilliantly written but with more tragedy than satire.

The Book Stop · 2013-02-08
thought-provoking 4.00

The book raises important issues and blends emotion with great writing, but it may not be the author's best work. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, though it leans more towards tragedy than satire.

The reviewer appreciates the book for its ability to tackle complex issues and blend emotion with strong writing. They find the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, though they note that it leans more towards tragedy than satire. While it may not be their favorite work by the author, it still holds significant value. The story's depth and the way it handles its subject matter are particularly praised, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in its themes.

Quick quotes

    The Tortilla Curtain might not be my favorite T.C. Boyle, but like his others it poses interesting issues, great writing that blends emotion and ...

    The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, though it leans more towards tragedy than satire.

    The book raises important issues and blends emotion with great writing.

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