The Gringo Champion Summary
Aura Xilonen

The Gringo Champion Overview

In her novel The Gringo Champion, Aura Xilonen depicts the societal and individual struggles associated with modern day international border politics, specifically between the United States and Mexico. Liborio is a Mexican teenager who, after being kicked out of his godmother's house, must fend for his own survival as he makes his way to America and attempts to carve out a life for himself there. His repressed traumas and affinity for street fighting are both the sources of conflicts and windows of opportunity for him throughout his journey from unknown fugitive to stable and contributing member of his community. The Gringo Champion deals with themes such as the futility of running from one's problems, the importance of cultural identity, the power of language, toxic masculinity, and the thin line between past and present experiences.