Shop securely with PayTo on Amazon. Direct payments from your trusted bank. No card details required.
$19.25 with 23 percent savings
RRP: $24.99
FREE delivery Tuesday, 22 April on your first order
Or fastest delivery Tomorrow, 16 April. Order within 11 hrs 10 mins
In stock
$$19.25 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$19.25
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Delivery cost, delivery date and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon AU
Amazon AU
Ships from
Amazon AU
Sold by
Amazon AU
Amazon AU
Sold by
Amazon AU
Returns
Eligible for change of mind returns within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for change of mind returns within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition within 30 days of receipt for change of mind. If this item is damaged or defective, you may be entitled to a remedy after 30 days. Visit Returning Faulty Items for more information.
Read our returns policies
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer—no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Jeanine Cummins
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

American Dirt: The heartstopping read that will live with you for ever Paperback – 23 February 2021

by Jeanine Cummins (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 174,178 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$19.25","priceAmount":19.25,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"25","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"LWDC2UEsMsPweOmOaAnxXiDYzz9eNi6XZPOkAQP2Di9b4WXaL3WUnXwgUDl9kOsTSdk6CoL6%2BlLLOIYA8%2F5RaZmencnWKX4N0qozo3o491GLf%2F27Ps7HjzURsyC0lztTx%2BD0NjXsrFcLnjV5F5Y5DfLCq6%2FxOTrW","locale":"en-AU","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

**Jeanine Cummins' new novel Speak to Me of Home is available to pre-order now**

'Heartstopping... doesn't let up... you will urge them on, fists clenched' The Times

An extraordinary story of the lengths a mother will go to to save her son, AMERICAN DIRT has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. It's time to read what you've been missing.

Lydia Perez owns a bookshop in Acapulco, Mexico, and is married to a fearless journalist. Luca, their eight-year-old son, completes the picture. But it only takes a bullet to rip them apart.

In a city in the grip of a drug cartel, friends become enemies overnight, and Lydia has no choice but to flee with Luca at her side. North for the border... whatever it takes to stay alive. The journey is dangerous - not only for them, but for those they encounter along the way. Who can be trusted? And what sacrifices is Lydia prepared to make?

*An Instant New York Times #1 Bestseller 2020*

*An Instant Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller 2020*

*Over 2 million copies sold globally*

*A Richard and Judy Bookclub Pick*

*An Oprah's Book Club Pick*

*A BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime*
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    480 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tinder Press
  4. Publication date
    23 February 2021
  5. Dimensions
    12.8 x 3.8 x 19.6 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    1472261402
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1472261403
Next slide of product details

Frequently bought together

American Dirt: The heartstopping read that will live with you for ever
This item: American Dirt: The heartstopping read that will live with you for ever
$19.25
In stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon AU.
+
The Nightingale: The Multimillion Copy Bestseller from the author of The Women
$14.00
In stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon AU.
+
Lessons in Chemistry: The multi-million-copy bestseller
$12.00
In stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon AU.
Total Price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. If there’s one good thing about terror, Lydia now understands, it’s that it’s more immediate than grief.
    Highlighted by 3,981 Kindle readers
  2. There’s a blessing in the moments after terror and before confirmation.
    Highlighted by 3,868 Kindle readers
  3. She doesn’t ask if he’s okay, because from now on that question will carry a weight of painful absurdity.
    Highlighted by 3,446 Kindle readers
Next page

From the brand

From the Publisher

test

test

test

test

test

test

test

test

test

test

Product description

Review

Devastating and timely... its hard to imagine there will be a more urgent or politically relevant novel this year ― Observer

This book is not simply the great American novel; it's the great novel of las Americas. It's the great world novel! This is the international story of our times. Masterful -- Sandra Cisneros

Heartstopping... doesn't let up... you will urge them on, fists clenched ― The Times

Stunning... remarkable... an account of love on the run that will never lose steam ― Vogue

This might be the first book many people read this year... it might also be the best ― Irish Times

Taut, tough, visceral, savage and exhilaratingly written ― i-Paper

One hell of a novel about a good woman on the run with her beautiful boy... I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it

AMERICAN DIRT transported me through genuine fear and had me willing on every human being struggling to get to a better life. Written with masterly restraint, it is a roaring human triumph

It's been a long time since I turned pages as fast as I did with American Dirt. Its journey is a testament to the power of fear and hope and belief that there are more good people than bad.

I devoured the novel ina dry-eyed adrenalin rush... profoundly moving ― Washington Post

From its heart-stopping first sentence to its heart-shattering last, Cummins' story of immigrants is just what we need now

From the opening page your heart will be in your mouth You will never want to put this story down, Jeanine Cummins has written a novel of such moment, such danger and such compassion, it will change your view of the world

Urgent and unforgettable, AMERICAN DIRT leaps the borders of the page and demands attention, especially now

Riveting, timely, a dazzling accomplishment. Jeanine Cummins makes us all live and breathe the refugee story. If a book can change hearts and transform policies, this is the one

Both a moral compass and a riveting read

Book Description

The extraordinary global bestseller - a once in a lifetime read about the lengths a mother will go to to save her son

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tinder Press; 1st edition (23 February 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1472261402
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1472261403
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.8 x 3.8 x 19.6 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 174,178 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jeanine Cummins

Jeanine Cummins

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Jeanine Cummins is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, AMERICAN DIRT, which was an Oprah Book Club and a Barnes & Noble Book Club selection, has been translated into 34 languages, and has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. She is also the author of the novels THE OUTSIDE BOY and THE CROOKED BRANCH, and the true crime memoir, A RIP IN HEAVEN. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
174,178 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a powerful novel that keeps them engaged from beginning to end. The story is written as a convincing thriller about a harrowing journey of survival, and customers describe it as fast-paced and thought-provoking, with one review noting how it provides insight into life in La Bestia. Customers appreciate the character development, with one review mentioning feeling the characters' pain and terror, while another notes how it will stay with readers for a while.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

99 customers mention ‘Readability’99 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and engaging, with one customer noting it is well-researched.

"American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is an incredibly moving and powerful novel...." Read more

"...The characters were well drawn and convincing. The book began with a violent act by a drug cartel upon the family of the main character, Lydia...." Read more

"American Dirt was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to pick it up each night...." Read more

"I just couldn’t put this book down. The most enthralling read in many many years. Cummins has you know the edge of your seat the whole time." Read more

73 customers mention ‘Heartbreaking story’68 positive5 negative

Customers describe this book as a harrowing journey of survival written as a convincing thriller, with one customer noting it's a fast-moving fictionalized account of a serious humanitarian problem.

"...It tells the gripping story of Lydia and her young son Luca as they flee the violence of a drug cartel in Mexico and embark on a dangerous journey..." Read more

"...It's well written and the plot is well paced and the reviews of it really depend on people's view of migrants and immigration...." Read more

"...It also explores the wider relationships which they formed with other migrants fleeing from drug cartel violence in Mexico and highlighted the fear,..." Read more

"This is such a vivid and confrontational story full of stunning detail of the plight of immigrants fleeing north to the United States...." Read more

43 customers mention ‘Writing quality’43 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as wonderfully and descriptively written, with one customer noting how the author takes readers on a journey.

"...The writing is vivid, and the pacing is intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat...." Read more

"...It's well written and the plot is well paced and the reviews of it really depend on people's view of migrants and immigration...." Read more

"...The writing itself is beautiful, full of gems that bring the characters and settings to life, including the very real sense that there is little..." Read more

"...I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to pick it up each night. Well written and very enlightening about the life of migrants journey into the US." Read more

36 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, describing it as a captivating read that provides deep understanding, with one customer noting how it offers insight into life in La Bestia.

"...It’s a heart-wrenching, insightful, and thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you’ve finished." Read more

"...This probably makes the story more real and relevant to its target audience." Read more

"...we see compassion and shared humanity for each other, helping to keep each other safe, and offering support for each other...." Read more

"...The writing itself is beautiful, full of gems that bring the characters and settings to life, including the very real sense that there is little..." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Pace’14 positive3 negative

Customers find the book fast-paced, with one mentioning it kept them up reading at night.

"...The writing is vivid, and the pacing is intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat...." Read more

"...while managing at the same time to make one involved and impatient to read on and on...." Read more

"...It made for a great read and I found it largely maintained a good pace over the length over the book - it was the sort of book that once I finished..." Read more

"...The writer takes you along for the ride. Read it in 2 days flat...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Character development’14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, feeling invested in them and experiencing their pain and terror.

"...American Dirt was a riveting read from start to finish. The characters were well drawn and convincing...." Read more

"...Heart in mouth for much of it. Won’t forget it. The characters and plot were engrossing. Recommend this." Read more

"...The characters are strong. The storyline too. Hard reading at times but I had to know what happened to them all. Loved this book." Read more

"...I read it in less than a week. The characters are so strong, you will them to keep going through to the end...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Pacing’13 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's pacing, describing it as raw and courageous, with one customer noting how it kept them on tenterhooks until the end.

"This is a book that will stay with you for a while, both haunting and terrifying it covers the story of a mother trying to give her son a new safe..." Read more

"...and the dangers along the way was most interesting, useful and moving. The authors writing and the characters left a lot to be desired." Read more

"This book had me hooked from the beginning and kept me on tenterhooks till the end. Tough subject but so well written." Read more

"...away from your worries to something what is truly heartbreaking and courageous." Read more

Top reviews from Australia

  • Puput
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and moving
    Reviewed in Australia on 9 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is an incredibly moving and powerful novel. It tells the gripping story of Lydia and her young son Luca as they flee the violence of a drug cartel in Mexico and embark on a dangerous journey to the United States. The book does an excellent job of humanizing the migrant experience, showing both the heartbreaking realities and moments of hope along the way. The writing is vivid, and the pacing is intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s a heart-wrenching, insightful, and thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and well done in its own way.
    Reviewed in Australia on 24 September 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book because of the cultural appropriation controversy and wanted to read it for myself and it was a Kindle daily deal. It's well written and the plot is well paced and the reviews of it really depend on people's view of migrants and immigration. What it does describe well is how a middle class mother would cope thrown into a horror situation and the mechanics of the border crossing. This probably makes the story more real and relevant to its target audience.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story told from the viewpoint of the people fleeing drug violence in Mexico.
    Reviewed in Australia on 16 October 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Review of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
    American Dirt was a riveting read from start to finish. The characters were well drawn and convincing. The book began with a violent act by a drug cartel upon the family of the main character, Lydia. Lydia and her son escaped with only their lives and the book explores the very special relationship between this mother and her son and how they managed to keep themselves together while suffering such horrendous trauma. It also explores the wider relationships which they formed with other migrants fleeing from drug cartel violence in Mexico and highlighted the fear, the corruption and brutality encountered by them during their journey to the USA. The book raises many issues about poverty, class divides and inequality but through the common experience of their journey we see compassion and shared humanity for each other, helping to keep each other safe, and offering support for each other. We also see total strangers offering support to these migrants as well as the wonderful help provided by nuns in their refuges. This book made me think twice about the issue of migration in general and in particular, migration from Mexico to the USA and it invoked in me a strong sympathy and compassion for people fleeing for their lives from extreme violence. I believe that the author, Jeanine Cummins has succeeded in humanizing the conversation around Mexican migration (albeit illegal migration) by providing a vivid account of the journey and the end result upon arrival on American Dirt and hopefully it will go some way to softening the hard-line approach of many US citizens to the Mexican problem.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sasha
    5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible education
    Reviewed in Australia on 28 June 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is such a vivid and confrontational story full of stunning detail of the plight of immigrants fleeing north to the United States. We get the details of the crimes committed against them, the sense of urgency in the dangers that pursue and enfold them and the resilience to not only survive but to continue to live. The writing itself is beautiful, full of gems that bring the characters and settings to life, including the very real sense that there is little safety in a life that no longer fits. A must read for anyone who passes judgement on asylum seekers. None of their stories is simple. None of our welcomes is enough.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sally Woods
    4.0 out of 5 stars American Dirt
    Reviewed in Australia on 31 August 2021
    Verified Purchase
    American Dirt was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to pick it up each night. Well written and very enlightening about the life of migrants journey into the US.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kristie
    5.0 out of 5 stars totally addictive
    Reviewed in Australia on 11 August 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I just couldn’t put this book down. The most enthralling read in many many years.
    Cummins has you know the edge of your seat the whole time.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sharon Walker
    5.0 out of 5 stars A harrowing read.
    Reviewed in Australia on 31 August 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Jeannie Cummings brings to life the terrible reality of Mexican illegal migration to the USA. It is a book that shocks and oozes despair and desperation. It truly haunts your every waking moment.
    Whilst reading this book I watched the documentary, ‘Which Way Home.’ Many of the events in ‘American Dirt’ actually occurred to real migrant children riding ‘ La Bestia.’
    A book I will never forget.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • rayofsunshine
    3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read.
    Reviewed in Australia on 18 July 2020
    Verified Purchase
    American readers would find this emotionally blackmailing book worthy of the title Bestseller. Sorry, not this reader. Compelling in its emotional re the family side, frustrating with its depiction of Mexico and is drug lord. Could not get the idea of the cultured drug lord killer right in my view, this book could have been set in any country as it really is not about the Mexican drug problem. It’s about power and control which is a drug in itself. Far too much irrelevant detail, not enough left for my imagination to work at.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars It is really worth it
    Reviewed in Brazil on 5 April 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really loved it. It was such a pleasant surprise. It has so many elements: a bit of Mexico, a bit of the US, thriller and an engaging story to bring life to this difficult journey!
    Report
  • Grecia Camacho
    5.0 out of 5 stars WOW
    Reviewed in Canada on 11 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    THIS BOOK!!!!
    I’m honestly so impressed by how beautifully written this novel is — especially considering that the author comes from a completely different culture. I’m a South American girl who knows the language and Mexican traditions well, and I was shocked to find out the author is American. She nailed it! So respectful, so real, so heartbreakingly accurate.
    The reality of immigrants is incredibly painful, and in today’s world — upside down as it is — it hit even harder.
    This book opened my eyes. The story pulls you in, and there’s a point where you just can’t stop reading — you’re nervous, anxious, desperate to know what’s going to happen next!
    If you’re looking for something lighthearted and giggly… this isn’t it. But if you’re ready for something raw, emotional, and important — read it.

    P.S.: WHY BETO???? WHYYYYY 😭
    Report
  • Hide
    5.0 out of 5 stars great drama to read
    Reviewed in Japan on 5 October 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Thanks for detailed description this author made, I found myself always being with Lydia, Luca, Soledad and Rebecca as they were going through onerousness, like scaling up a wall of running locomotive onto its roof, trekking a desert with barreled water shouldering on them, leaving a body of adorable kid on a stark field without flower. This saga told me unbeatable resilience those who walk with a love next to, not in front of and behind, have, which is probably common faith human beings believe in. Her English depicted unknown locations like "Acapulco", beach resort used to be flourished with tourism, on my canvas which had been white for Mexico until before I had read this story. I was also noted that my knowledge in coyote as trafficker had been inadequate to get who he really was. American dirt is a drama which sticks into readers with both humaneness an inhumaneness.
    Report
  • Hazel
    5.0 out of 5 stars I had incorrectly ordered in English and not Spanish.
    Reviewed in Mexico on 7 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book and ordered it for a Mexican friend. Accidentally ordered in English
    Report
  • Janet Pelton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Passionnant
    Reviewed in France on 11 January 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Histoire terrible et passionnante des migrants mexicains qui essaient de rejoindre les États Unis. Notre book club a bcp aimé.
    Report