T.C. Boyle «Tortilla Curtain»

Thomas Coraghessan Boyle's «Tortilla Curtain» is a book published in 1995, and every issue it raises is still meaningful today. Its author called it his «at the time most controversial novel», because «it dealt with a hot-button socio-political issue - illegal immigration in southern California». Sounds familiar? Immigration, border security, economic inequality, racial tensions - Boyle tackles those relevant themes by intertwining the destinies of two couples: the Mossbachers, privileged, but considering themselves progressive, and the Mexican Rincóns, dirt poor and desperately searching for the American dream. The gripping story, told in Boyle's exuberant prose, encourages discussions about prejudice, racism and the barriers that exist for different groups of people. Level C1 required.