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American Dirt


"American Dirt is a Grapes of Wrath for our times."
—Don Winslow
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Do you believe Beto's explanation of how he got his money? Do you have any other questions about Beto you would like answered?

Created: 03/06/20

Replies: 2

Posted Mar. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gerrieb

Join Date: 09/03/19

Posts: 208

Do you believe Beto's explanation of how he got his money? Do you have any other questions about Beto you would like answered?

Beto was a wonderful character and we get a brief history of his life. However, I was left with so many more things I wanted to know. When Beto is questioned by Lydia about where he got all that money he isn't initially forthcoming. Do you think he is running from the person he got it from? Were you surprised with all that money that he didn't try to get medication for his asthma? He had an inhaler so it is possible he had a prescription somewhere and if he wasn't running from someone why not stop and buy some medicine? Why didn't he buy himself a hat, lip balm a backpack or any supplies? Had he already been deported and lost his possessions? We are left with the impression that after helping Lydia with the coyote fee that Beto still has money left. Do you think it odd that no mention is made anyone taking any money from him after the final scene in the desert with Nicolás and Marisol? Do you think they just left it there in the desert?


Posted Mar. 11, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ABeman

Join Date: 01/14/15

Posts: 78

RE: Do you believe Beto's explanation of how he got his money? Do you have any other questions about Beto you would like answered?

I might like a prequel novella focusing on Beto and "the Dompe." Sort of like how "The Wide Sargasso Sea" is to "Jane Eyre." (I'm not saying that American Dirt is equivalent to Jane Eyre. My point is that American Dirt's most compelling characters could be beautifully developed by an array of authors.)
Your questions are outstanding, gerrieb. I can't believe that the money was left there in the desert. I imagine there were "off-camera" machinations that didn't get mentioned.


Posted Mar. 12, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gerrieb

Join Date: 09/03/19

Posts: 208

RE: Do you believe Beto's explanation of how he got his money? Do you have any other questions about Beto you would like answered?

Thank you, ABeman. I love your idea of a prequel novella. Beto was an interesting character and I would like to know more about him. I agree with you. I think perhaps while some of the money may have been given to the coyote to see to Beto, I think the rest had to have been taken by the migrants. Had Beto had a chance I think he would have given his money to Rebeca and perhaps Lydia. Also, given Marisol’s kindness and her and Nicolas’s efforts to save him it seems they too, deserved a a share. It doesn’t make sense to leave it behind.


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