Fiction and Facts: Migration Tales from Wilkerson and Dickerson

Author Carolyn Wilkerson’s adult fiction mystery Hasta Mañana and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Caitlin Dickerson’s investigative report Seventy Miles in Hell (August 6, 2024, The Atlantic), base their migration tales on the human experiences and struggles rising out of migration challenges however their stories originate from distinct perspectives.

Hasta Mañana is a fictional adult mystery created out of many distinct real life situations that tell a story of a young mother seeking vengeance for the death of her son and who unexpectedly becomes a central figure in the mission to safeguard the U.S./Mexico border. Wilkerson’s novel presents the human experience of migrants and those who enforce U.S. immigration law through authentic characters and a suspenseful storyline. Wilkerson’s years of research include speaking with migrant families, participating in ride-alongs at the Southwest U.S. border, and conducting in-depth interviews with current and former U.S. Border Patrol Agents. These experiences revealed a glimpse into their real life experiences and previously untold truths. Consequently, the novel invites a rare introspective view of the personal motivations and sacrifices made by migrants and agents alike.

Comparatively, Dickerson’s Seventy Miles in Hell is a journalistic article grounded in factual reporting, evidencing the all too often perilous journey migrants undertake through the Darién Gap, a dangerous stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama. Dickerson’s feature piece documents personal interviews, first hand observations, and photographs. These points of proof offer readers a graphic analysis of the inconceivable risks and threats posed from impassable terrain and merciless human traffickers that migrants confront during their exodus. Similar to Wilkerson’s novel, Dickerson’s article challenges readers to broaden their awareness and gain a deeper understanding of the seldom seen migrant experience, their personal motivations and death-defying sacrifices.

Intersecting Narratives of Resilience

These fictional and journalistic migration tales intersect at the confluence of their emphasis on the courage and determination of migrants and the complexities of themes related to border management. Hasta Mañana portrays the enduring spirit held by mothers, migrants and agents within family and justice based narratives. Seventy Miles in Hell captures migrants’ resilient push through the most extreme of physical and psychological hardships. Together, they deliver readers with a complementary and empathetic view of the evergreen phenomena of migration and to connect emotionally to the stark realities of two of the most treacherous migration routes in the world.

The English language edition of Hasta Mañana is currently available at Amazon, Apple and other major book distributors. The Spanish language edition is also currently available at Dorrance Publishing with major book distributor availability anticipated in late November 2024.