The Salvation of La Purísima

the long version

In this debut novel, T.M. Spooner convincingly portrays the often perilous journey north for Mexican migrants. The novel is narrated by anthropology student Paul Westin who is drawn to Mexico by one of the men he befriends while researching his doctoral dissertation. As Westin becomes more involved with the migrants and learns of a tragedy among them, he struggles to maintain professional objectivity. In Mexico he encounters La Purísima, the fractured village and symbol of rural Mexico, desperately struggling with the death of one of its own young men. The unexpected reactions of the villagers force Westin and a local priest, Father Gabriel, to search for a solution to save La Purísima. The Salvation of La Purísima is compellingly told and written - with tender regard for its characters.