Infinite Country

by Patricia Engel
Infinite Country cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4010
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781398506633
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-05-27
  • Reviews: 3

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of family and identity across borders. The story follows Talia, a young girl held in a correctional facility in Colombia, as she races against time to reunite with her family in the United States. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the novel delves into the lives of Talia's parents, Mauro and Elena, and their children, revealing the emotional and physical toll of living as undocumented immigrants. The novel is rich with Bogotá urban life, Andean myth, and the daily struggles of the undocumented in America, offering a profound look at the human cost of migration and the dreams deferred in pursuit of a better life. Engel's award-winning novel is a powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of family. With its vivid storytelling and deep emotional resonance, Infinite Country is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the immigrant experience in today's world. The novel's unique structure and rich cultural details make it a standout in contemporary literature.

Reviews
Feminist Book Club · 2021-10-13
Powerful 4.50

A powerful exploration of the immigrant experience and the impact of man-made borders on families.

This novel offers a poignant look at the challenges faced by immigrants and the resilience of family bonds. The reviewer highlights how the book sheds light on the human side of immigration, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories about identity and belonging.

Quick quotes

    A remarkable novel about the immigrant experience and the affect that man made borders can have on a family.

    The book sheds light on a community that is often overlooked.

    It is a story about resilience, love, and the enduring strength of family ties.

I've Read This · 2021-03-09
Captivating 4.00

A moving and thought-provoking novel about love and survival set against a backdrop of violence.

The reviewer praises the novel for its emotional depth and the way it captures the intensity of human relationships. The story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Quick quotes

    Elena and Mauro live in Bogota, and they fall head-over-heels in love, finding refuge in each other's arms while violence rages around them.

    The novel is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure even in the darkest times.

    It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

The New York Times · 2021-03-08
Compelling 4.50

A compulsively readable novel that explores the immigrant experience with emotional depth.

The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to balance emotional comfort with a stark reality. The ending is particularly praised for its nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This is a compulsively readable novel that will make you feel the oxytocin of comfort and delusion.

    The ending reads like child-of-immigrant literature.

    It is a story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced displacement.

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