88 pages • 2 hours read
Tomás RiveraAnd The Earth Did Not Devour Him
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
And the Earth Did Not Devour Him by Tomás Rivera, set during the Korean War, comprises 14 chapters and 13 vignettes depicting the often harsh lives of Mexican migrant workers in Texas. Told primarily from the perspective of a migrant worker’s young son, the story follows his fragmented recollections and experiences, ultimately revealing a narrative that centers around family, labor, and cultural identity. Sensitive topics include but are not limited to violence, racism, child death, and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tomás Rivera's And the Earth Did Not Devour Him poignantly captures the struggles of Mexican-American migrant workers through interconnected vignettes. Critics praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth, highlighting Rivera's portrayal of resilience and identity. Some note the fragmented narrative might confuse readers. Overall, it remains a powerful, evocative exploration of hardship and hope.
Who Should Read And The Earth Did Not Devour Him?
Readers who would enjoy And The Earth Did Not Devour Him by Tomás Rivera are likely fans of poignant, semi-autobiographical tales rooted in Chicano culture and migrant experiences. Similar to The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, these readers appreciate deeply personal stories that explore identity and struggle with lyrical prose.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsBook Details
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil