Summary

"The Land" is about Wilber Sr.'s farm, which was suffering under severe drought. The tomato crop was bad and they had a hard time selling the pallid fruit. Wilber Sr., feeble from illness and age, decided to feed the tomatoes will beet juice to restore their color and sweetness. No matter what, Wilber Sr. would "work until he no longer could" (249).

In Chapter 12, Maricela was physically abused by her brothers who remained at home. At the same time, she and her first daughter became a rumored gang target. Her first daughter's father, Sebastian, had migrated to the US, but his family who remained behind had gotten involved with gangs and killing Sebastian's ex and/or daughter seemed like viable retribution for his brother's actions in the gang wars. Maricela felt she had no option but to go north. Raul...