Describe how the situation in the novel explores this topic (immigration) as fiction. You might also comment on how realistic, or not, the characters or setting in the story seem. (some accuse Herrera of creating superficial renderings (stereotypes) of some characters.
Though the novel, Signs Preceding the End of the World, is fiction.... the story could be anyone's. The settings and experiences of the main character seem realistic, as they parallel much of what we know about the process of illegally crossing into America from Mexico. In essence, we wonder if the author made the journey.... or possibly if he was close to someone who had.
The novel's main character, Makina, faces many dangers. As a young woman, she is open to unwelcome advances from men, and even if she is able to thwart those advances, retaliation remains a danger.... note, however, she is as exposed to these dangers as much in her hometown, as she is one the road.
Makina also faces the dangers of the journey. She is delivering an unknown package... drugs? Possibly. What happens when she not only enters the states illegally but brings in illegal drugs as well? What happens if she cannot find her brother? What happens if she is caught and held?
In essence, Herrera has written a believable account in my opinion. Some characters might be seen as stereotypical, but I believe that he has genuinely attempted to represent the immigrants in a realistic way. He does not claim the novel is based on fact..... down the road, it will likely be considered a form of historical fiction.
Signs Preceding the End of the World
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