First published 1993
Richard and Sara Everton abandon their comfortable American life and pour their savings into a desperate gamble. They travel to Ibarra, a remote Mexican village, speaking no Spanish and knowing no one. Their goal is to resurrect the copper mine that Richard's grandfather once operated. The couple throws themselves into the work of restoration. Richard supervises the mining operations while Sara transforms their new house into a home. The mine begins producing copper again. The village starts to prosper. Then a doctor delivers crushing news. Richard has a terminal illness. He has six years left to live. Richard responds by working harder, pushing the mine toward greater success. Sara refuses to accept the diagnosis. She acts as if nothing has changed. Richard counts down his remaining time while Sara pretends time has stopped. Their opposing reactions create a rift between them. The mine continues operating. The village depends on their success. Richard must decide how to spend his final years. Sara must choose between denial and acceptance.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: denial-acceptance, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Ibarra, Mexico
Period: 20th-century
8 pages · Unknown Binding · Recorded Books, Inc.
Content warnings: terminal-illness