San Antonio-based author Rudy Ruiz is set to release his much-anticipated novel, The Border Between Us, this August and the excitement is brewing. What may become the crown jewel in his literary repertoire thus far, the work marks another milestone in Ruiz’s illustrious career, further establishing him as a leading voice in contemporary literature.
Ruiz’s new book follows the success of Valley of Shadows, which won the Texas Institute of Letters’ prestigious Jesse H. Jones Award for Best Book of Fiction. The Border Between Us is a labor of love that’s been years in the making. Reflecting on his journey, Ruiz shared, “It’s wonderful to build momentum with readers and fans of literary fiction. I’m particularly excited to share this novel with them. I’ve been working on it for the past decade. While fictional, it draws inspiration from my experiences coming of age on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border as well as in the Northeast.”
A Deeply Personal Tale
The novel is narrated by protagonist Ramón Lopez, whose life journey from childhood to adulthood captures the essence of the immigrant experience. Growing up in the 1970s and ’80s along the U.S.-Mexico border, Ramón embodies the hopes and struggles of a first-generation American. Influenced by his father’s relentless pursuit of the American dream, Ramón faces the harsh realities of economic downturns and personal setbacks.
An aspiring artist, his path diverges from his father’s ambitions, and he sets out to find a place in the art capital of America, the Big Apple. The journey leads him to a profound exploration of identity and belonging — something very relatable to those who have left home in pursuit of their dreams.
“As the story unfolds,” Rudy Ruiz teased, “readers will wonder whether Ramón’s life will end up in tatters and disillusion or whether he’ll find a way to make peace with who he is, where he comes from, and where he’s headed.”
Rudy Ruiz: Exploring Borders and Identity
Set against the backdrop of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico, The Border Between Us delves into the complexities of border life. The novel is a rich tapestry of geographical and cultural elements that Ruiz skillfully weaves together. It reflects his intimate understanding of the borderlands, where he grew up, and presents a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and resilience of immigrant families.
A key theme in the novel is the notion of borders — not just physical, but also metaphorical. Ruiz examines how these borders shape and define the characters’ lives, from their moral and ethical choices to their self-identity. The story also touches upon imaginary borders, such as the ones formed when relationships with family members become fraught.
Pura Belpré Award-winning author Guadalupe Garcia McCall called the tome “an exquisitely crafted, heartbreaking story about nurturing dreams, searching for self, and finding hope within the stifling embrace of a loving family, friends, and community in the beautiful, sometimes dangerous, borderlands of South Texas.”
Literary Accolades and Recognition
Ruiz describes The Border Between Us as a bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story that unfolds through a series of interconnected narratives. Several chapters have been previously published as award-winning short stories in literary journals, such as Gulf Coast and New Texas. These stories, including the Gulf Coast Prize-winning “That Boy Could Run,” contribute to the novel’s rich, multifaceted narrative.
Rudy Ruiz’s previous works, including The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez and 7 for the Revolution, have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. His writing is celebrated for its lyrical prose and ability to give voice to marginalized communities. The American Library Association’s Booklist describes his work as “beguiling prose,” while Kirkus Reviews commends his ability to “give a voice to the voiceless.”
And Ruiz’s peers wholeheartedly agree, heaping praise on the author and his latest work.
James Wade, the two-time Spur Award-winning author of Hollow Out the Dark, said: “Rudy Ruiz has written the novel of the year. The Border Between Us is as timely in its topics as it is timeless in its themes. Ruiz understands coming-of-age like few others. His characters are drawn with such soul and veracity, I am left to imagine Ruiz lying wounded at the end of every page, having given so much of himself to this novel. His prose has an ethereal quality — the story’s tension created as much through craft as its incredibly compelling plot.”
Bruce Ferber, the award-winning author of I Buried Paul, also sang praises for Ruiz’s depiction of the border: “In a world where the mere mention of the word ‘border’ is tinder for outrage, Rudy Ruiz’s The Border Between Us paints a canvas as expansive as the Big River itself. Unflinching in its nuanced depiction of the harsh realities, it is Ruiz’s deep connection to his roots that shows us the magic, the beauty, and the spirit that might have otherwise eluded us. ”
Advocacy Through Storytelling
Beyond his literary accomplishments, Rudy Ruiz is a passionate advocate for social justice. He co-founded Interlex, an advocacy marketing agency dedicated to promoting social causes and supporting marginalized communities. His activism is deeply intertwined with his writing, using the power of storytelling to raise awareness and inspire change.
The Border Between Us is a significant addition to contemporary literature, offering readers a profound exploration of identity, migration, and the human experience. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, the novel is a testament to Ruiz’s exceptional talent and vision.
As Ruiz continues to champion social justice through his work, The Border Between Us stands as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that transcends borders. This novel is a must-read for both longtime fans and new readers, providing a compelling and compassionate look at the complexities of the American dream and the lives it touches.
