Efrén Divided tells the story of Efrén Nava, a young Mexican American boy whose life is upended when his mother is deported to Mexico. The narrative traces Efrén's struggle to keep his family together, his efforts to navigate the adult responsibilities that come his way, and his journey to reunite with his mother.
In the narrative, Efrén's mother, Ama, is a pillar of their family, providing love, stability, and care. Her sudden deportation throws their life into chaos. Efrén's father is forced to work even longer hours to support them, and Efrén, still a child himself, has to step in to take care of his younger siblings, Max and Mía. Cisneros paints a vivid picture of the burdens that fall on children in such situations, highlighting Efrén's struggles to balance school, responsibilities at home, and the secret about his mother's absence.
The narrative gains momentum as Efrén journeys to Mexico to bring his mother back. His journey is fraught with danger and hardship, illustrating the severe realities that individuals often face when dealing with immigration and deportation. The reunion with his mother in Tijuana is heartfelt but also highlights the complexity and challenges of re-entry into the U.S. The novel concludes on a hopeful note, as Efrén returns home to reveal the truth about his mother's absence to his community and receives unexpected support.
Cisneros uses a straightforward and emotional narrative style to invite the reader into Efrén's world, eliciting empathy for the character's plight. He skillfully navigates the complexities of the immigration debate by putting a human face to it, allowing the reader to understand the human cost of deportation and the policies around it. The exploration of Efrén's emotional landscape, his resilience in the face of adversity, and the display of his courage and determination are particularly impactful.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Cisneros infuses the story with moments of lightness and humanity that reveal the resilience of his characters and the power of community. The narrative also offers a valuable exploration of cultural identity as Efrén straddles two cultures and learns to navigate his place within them.
