“It is time for a new kind of femininity.”
The quotation is Nayeli’s retort when she is challenged that her martial art skills are hardly a feminine trait. It is a statement that emphasizes the narrative’s subversion of the notion that traditional heroes are typically straight men. Nayeli and her friends are heroes of the story even though their mission is to seek seven capable individuals to aid them to fight the bandidos. The novel overturns the gender-based prejudices in regards to bravery and heroism; therefore, it places Nayeli at the center of all the adversities in their adventure. Moreover, her Aunt Irma is an exceptional woman who against all odds becomes the first female mayor. Thus, as she asserts the narrative also aims to show the kind of femininity that is rarely explored in heroic stories.
“The government knew a secret that the American public didn’t: the numbers of border crossers were down, across the board. Maybe the fence, maybe the harsh new atmosphere”
The novel occasionally delves into the political realm specifically on the issue of immigration, the US-Mexico border, and racism. The statement alludes to the notion that the illegal immigration issue is inflated more than it actually is. Moreover, Nayeli and her friends find it extremely difficult to actually cross the border and have to seek help from multiple individuals. This prompts her to assert that border crossers are not as many as it is purported to be considering the difficulty of crossing it. The statement aims to raise questions in regard to the politics that surround the two nations and the border.
“Progress might be inevitable, but there was no reason they should knuckle under without a fight.”
The assertion is aimed at the stubbornness of the inhabitants of the town who possess a strong will of denying what they do not like. The narrative is essentially a heroic quest to save a town from the claws of evil men. Henceforth the statement shows the determination that is harbored by both the protagonist and the minor characters who aid her. Nayeli as young as she takes the initiative to face her fears and sacrifice a lot in order to save many more.
