The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez, A Border Story


Set mostly in Douglas/Aqua Prieta, this book tells the true story of a young woman born on the Mexican side of the border and raised on the US side who continuously struggles through the injustice, fear, and violence of the immigration system there. The author is an academic who spent four years researching the story, especially getting to know Aida (a pseudonym). But his writing is like a novelist, which means this is very good storytelling.

This was a good context-setter for me as I get ready to travel there next week. Not only because it has a lot of history and social information, but also because the life story of Aida reveals so much about the real lives of those living there. There is so much working against the immigrant: racism, poverty, law enforcement, drugs - and the afflicted spirit that comes from having to endure all this. But there is also an indomitable courage and resilience that keeps shining through. I was struck and smitten both.

And I am reminded, once again, that all of us really are so much alike. If I were in the same circumstances as Aida and her circle of family and friends, I would have so many of the same reactions, worries, impulses, aspirations. I felt more than just empathy reading this book. I could identify with these people.

This is what I hope and expect will happen during our time at the border. An identification of myself in others and vice versa. A recognition of our oneness.

Here's a pretty good review of the book:
https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/bordering-on-brutality-the-death-and-life-of-aida-hernandez/Content?oid=25067938

Ken

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