Why read Miracles on the Border?

Book cover of Miracles on the Border: Retablos of Mexican Migrants to the United States

Book description

This vivid study, richly illustrated with forty color photographs, offers a multilayered analysis of retablosfolk images painted on tin that are offered as votives of thanks for a miracle granted or a favor bestowedcreated by Mexican migrants to the United States. Durand and Massey analyze 124 contemporary retablo texts, scrutinizing…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Miracles on the Border as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Benjamin C. Montoya

Author

Speaking of humans at the center of immigration, this book gives voice to Mexican immigrants throughout the 20th century.

The book showcases retablos, which are small paintings (often on pieces of tin no larger than 6” x 8”) commissioned by migrants and their families that give thanks for overcoming the struggles of immigrating to and living in the United States. Religious in symbolism and message, retablos are essentially pictorial prayers.

Many migrants leave no records of their efforts to cross the border; leaving a paper trail is dangerous if they enter the United States undocumented. In this sense, retablos are…

From Benjamin's list on The best books to understand the complicated history of Mexican immigration to the United States.