Sometimes called The Grapes of Wrath for Mexicans seeking refuge in the U.S., this political novel follows two families: Candido and America; and Kyra and Delaney. Candido has been to the U.S. many times, working and sending money home to support his family. This time he’s brought his young, pregnant wife, America. They live rough in a canyon near Los Angeles, making a little money as day laborers and seeking their own American dream, always hiding from authorities. Kyra and Delaney, an upper middle class couple who consider themselves “liberal humanists”, live in an exclusive community near the canyon where Candido and his wife camp. The two couples collide throughout the tale in vivid prose that may cause many readers anxiety. Dark humor does little to lighten the tone of this novel of our times. This tale builds and crescendos to its final climax, leaving the reader with plenty to ponder. The Tortilla Curtain is an excellent read for anyone who wants or needs to learn about U.S./Mexico border relations.