Continental Drift

In Continental Drift, Russell Banks explores the harsh reality of the American Dream. He shows us that it's not always a land of opportunity for everyone. It's a great reminder to check our privileges and understand that success isn't always about hard work, but often about circumstances.

Banks brilliantly uses two contrasting characters to show us different perspectives. One is a blue-collar worker from New Hampshire, the other a Haitian woman trying to escape poverty. By looking into their lives, we see how our backgrounds and circumstances shape our world view.

Continental Drift is a deep dive into the impact of socioeconomic status on individuals' lives. Banks doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of poverty and the desperation it can lead to. It's a wake-up call to see the world beyond our comfort zones.

Banks doesn't sugarcoat the struggles of migration. He shows us the human cost of seeking a better life, the risks people are willing to take, and the tragic outcomes that can occur. It's a powerful reminder of the real-life stories behind the headlines.

In Continental Drift, Russell Banks explores the complexity of human nature. He shows us that people are not simply 'good' or 'bad', but shaped by their experiences and circumstances. It's a thought-provoking look into the human condition that will leave you pondering long after you've finished the book.