Jenny Torres Sanchez · 2020 · rail

Jenny Torres Sanchez's 2020 novel, a harrowing and tender story of three Guatemalan teenagers who, with nothing left to lose at home, flee north toward the United States, riding atop the freight trains known as La Bestia through the length of Mexico. Unflinching about the dangers migrants face, it is also a testament to love and friendship. The route follows their journey from Guatemala to the border.

1. 1
   Puerto Barrios

   Pulga, Chico and Pequena, three teenagers from Puerto Barrios, flee the gang violence that has shattered their lives, with only the dream of the north to guide them.

2. 2
   Tapachula

   Across the border into Mexico at Tapachula, where they climb for the first time onto the roof of La Bestia, the freight train of the migrants.

3. 3
   Mexico City

   North through the heart of Mexico clinging to the trains, amid robbery, kidnapping and loss, holding on to each other and to hope.

4. 4
   The Border

   To the dangerous final stretch at the northern border, and the river that is all that stands between them and another country.