Separated: Inside an American Tragedy by Jacob Soboroff

Separated is a New York Times bestseller that delves into the shocking reality of the U.S. government's child-separation policy at the border. Jacob Soboroff, one of the first journalists to uncover this atrocity, provides a detailed account of how this policy was implemented and its devastating impact on migrant families. Through interviews with administration officials and firsthand experiences, Soboroff paints a vivid picture of the living conditions of the children in custody and the dramatic journey of one family from Guatemala seeking asylum./n/nThe book also highlights the efforts of those who challenged the policy and worked tirelessly to reunite parents with their children. Soboroff's reporting takes readers to the border in Texas, California, and Arizona, as well as inside the disturbing detention facilities. Separated is an essential reckoning that lays out the human toll and makes clear what is at stake for America.

Reviews

The New York Times · Jennifer Szalai · 2020-07-23

harrowing 4.50

The book is a stark and unflinching account of the family separation policy, highlighting the brutality and inhumanity of the practice. The author's personal experiences add a deeply emotional layer to the reportage.

Jennifer Szalai from The New York Times highlights that Jacob Soboroff's book is a powerful and necessary read. She notes that Soboroff's firsthand accounts and interviews with those affected by the policy make the book both harrowing and deeply moving. The brutality of the family separation policy is laid bare, and the emotional impact on the families involved is palpable. Szalai also praises Soboroff's ability to weave together personal stories with broader political context, making the book a comprehensive and compelling piece of journalism.

Quick quotes

The subtitle of 'Separated' is 'Inside an American Tragedy,' but what Soboroff memorably depicts isn't just tragic but brutal.

Soboroff's firsthand accounts and interviews with those affected by the policy make the book both harrowing and deeply moving.

The brutality of the family separation policy is laid bare, and the emotional impact on the families involved is palpable.

Goodreads · 2020-07-07

profound 4.20

The book is a profound and moving report that reveals the human story behind one of the most disturbing policies of modern times. It is highly praised for its thorough reporting and emotional depth.

Goodreads reviewers have overwhelmingly praised Jacob Soboroff's book for its profound and moving account of the family separation policy. They highlight the book's ability to reveal the human story behind this disturbing policy, making it a deeply emotional and impactful read. The thorough reporting and personal stories shared in the book are particularly noted for their ability to convey the trauma and suffering experienced by the families involved. The book is seen as an essential read for understanding the broader implications of this policy.

Quick quotes

A profoundly personal and moving report from the border and beyond, revealing the wrenching human story behind one of the most disturbing passages of modern times.

To be extremely clear, what this book is about is incredibly important and I'm tremendously grateful for the reporting that was done to bring attention to it.

The book is a profound and moving report that reveals the human story behind one of the most disturbing policies of modern times.

The Texas Observer · Forrest Wilder · 2020-07-07

heartbreaking 4.30

The book is a thorough and heartbreaking account of the family separation policy, highlighting the trauma inflicted on children and families. It is praised for its detailed reporting and emotional resonance.

Forrest Wilder from The Texas Observer describes Jacob Soboroff's book as a thorough and heartbreaking account of the family separation policy. Wilder notes that Soboroff's detailed reporting and personal stories make the book a deeply emotional and impactful read. The trauma inflicted on children and families is vividly portrayed, making the book a powerful and necessary piece of journalism. Wilder also praises Soboroff's ability to convey the broader implications of the policy, highlighting its brutality and inhumanity.

Quick quotes

Jacob Soboroff's new memoir is a thorough account of how such a cruel policy came to be and how it traumatized hundreds of children and their families.

The trauma inflicted on children and families is vividly portrayed, making the book a powerful and necessary piece of journalism.

Soboroff's detailed reporting and personal stories make the book a deeply emotional and impactful read.

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