|
November 2016
Book Review Linda Valdez, Crossing the Line: A Marriage Across Borders Reviewed by Ashley Weymouth |
|
Have you gone through a spate of ‘ho-hum’ reads as of late? Well, Crossing The Line: A Marriage Across Borders, a true story by Linda Valdez, might just remedy that for you. There are elements of romance, adventure, and suspense in this story along with hints of nostalgia for the way it used to be when crossing the U.S./Mexican border area of Nogales – a feeling that might resonate with some Southern Arizonans. Valdez, a Tucsonan with mid-western roots, depicts her relationship with Sixto, a man from Los Mochis, Mexico, in the late 1980’s and their tenacious efforts to try to get him lawful entry into the United States so they could build a life together.
The narrator describes the lengths she and Sixto went to in order to meet the legal obligations necessary for him to enter the United States and how, despite having jumped through endless hoops and meeting all the requirements, Sixto’s request for a visa was denied not just once but, multiple times. Valdez and Sixto become disheartened by their failed efforts and reluctantly start to consider illegal means of entry into the United States. As their hopes of being together start to fizzle, Sixto takes a risk and enters through a hole in the border fence. He gets on a bus headed to Tucson and, with luck on his side, is not questioned or detained by border patrol. Once he arrives in Tucson, the next part of his and Valdez’ journey begins – including a marriage by the justice of the peace, a petition for a visa and permanent residency, mountains of paperwork, medical tests and lastly, an appointment at the U.S. embassy in Tijuana. After several angst-ridden days in Tijuana, the young couple is rewarded for their hard work and Sixto re-enters the United States with his green card.
The narrator describes the lengths she and Sixto went to in order to meet the legal obligations necessary for him to enter the United States and how, despite having jumped through endless hoops and meeting all the requirements, Sixto’s request for a visa was denied not just once but, multiple times. Valdez and Sixto become disheartened by their failed efforts and reluctantly start to consider illegal means of entry into the United States. As their hopes of being together start to fizzle, Sixto takes a risk and enters through a hole in the border fence. He gets on a bus headed to Tucson and, with luck on his side, is not questioned or detained by border patrol. Once he arrives in Tucson, the next part of his and Valdez’ journey begins – including a marriage by the justice of the peace, a petition for a visa and permanent residency, mountains of paperwork, medical tests and lastly, an appointment at the U.S. embassy in Tijuana. After several angst-ridden days in Tijuana, the young couple is rewarded for their hard work and Sixto re-enters the United States with his green card.
Linda Valdez
The rest of the book describes the evolution of their bond which continues to this day, the cultural differences they faced and finally, how Valdez’ life is enhanced by her experiences with and immersion in Mexican culture and traditions. For me, the most enjoyable parts of this book were the author’s descriptive accounts of visits with her mother-in-law in Mexico, interactions with Sixto’s family and extended family, and the elaborate and festive celebrations which occurred to recognize special events such as a niece’s wedding and their own daughter’s quinceañera. Finally, what I found most meaningful about this book is not only the strength of the family bonds that are exhibited throughout the story but also, the value of human connection.
If you are interested in the topic of immigration, get jazzed by learning about another culture or just want to read about the extent at which tamales are made then, this book is for you.
If you are interested in the topic of immigration, get jazzed by learning about another culture or just want to read about the extent at which tamales are made then, this book is for you.
In 2012, Ashley Weymouth moved to Tucson from Portland, Maine with her husband, two dogs and two cats. Ashley earned her BA in History from Boston University's College of Liberal Arts and then proceeded to teach English as a Second Language in Dresden, Germany as well as in the United States. When she's not tutoring, she combines her passion for animal welfare and fiber art by creating needle-felted pet portraits that are accompanied with detailed narratives. Her work was recently published in the book "Nature Inspired: Animal Edition" and can be seen on her website at http://ashleysfiberart.com.
