Under the Feet of Jesus

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At the center of this powerful tale is Estrella, a girl on the brink of womanhood. Her understanding of life is shaped by her mother, who endures abandonment in a society that renders her invisible, despite her hard work in the fields that feed the nation. The story also features an aging man who reluctantly becomes the family leader, haunted by dreams of his homeland in Mexico. As Estrella navigates the highways and fields of California with her family, she feels the stirrings of growth and change within her. In her relationship with Alejo, slightly older than she, Estrella experiences the joys and pains of first love, learning to listen to her inner voice. Through this love, she discovers her strength to challenge a system designed to keep her oppressed. As she faces societal marginalization, Estrella learns to fight back, ultimately helping Alejo when his life and dreams are threatened during a tragic harvest. The novel beautifully captures the California landscape and the stark contrasts of poverty, celebrating the resilience of its characters. With lyrical prose and profound themes, this work stands as a significant contribution to American fiction.