Miracles on the Border

By Jorge Durand, Douglas S. Massey,

Book cover of Miracles on the Border: Retablos of Mexican Migrants to the United States

Book description

This vivid study, richly illustrated with forty color photographs, offers a multilayered analysis of retablos—folk images painted on tin that are offered as votives of thanks for a miracle granted or a favor bestowed—created by Mexican migrants to the United States. Durand and Massey analyze 124 contemporary retablo texts, scrutinizing…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Miracles on the Border as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Speaking of humans at the center of immigration, this book gives voice to Mexican immigrants throughout the 20th century.

The book showcases retablos, which are small paintings (often on pieces of tin no larger than 6” x 8”) commissioned by migrants and their families that give thanks for overcoming the struggles of immigrating to and living in the United States. Religious in symbolism and message, retablos are essentially pictorial prayers.

Many migrants leave no records of their efforts to cross the border; leaving a paper trail is dangerous if they enter the United States undocumented. In this sense, retablos are…

Want books like Miracles on the Border?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 67 books like Miracles on the Border.

Browse books like Miracles on the Border

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Mexican Americans, immigration, and Mexico?

11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Mexican Americans, immigration, and Mexico.

Mexican Americans Explore 41 books about Mexican Americans
Immigration Explore 23 books about immigration
Mexico Explore 211 books about Mexico