A Body Across Two Hemispheres: A Memoir in Essays

by Victoria Buitron

"A Body Across Two Hemispheres is a timely book, one many of us need and will be grateful to have read." —Shara McCallum

"A Body Across Two Hemispheres is the kind of memoir that makes us more human; the kind written with tenderness about ordinary people with ordinary and exceptional, bitter and beautiful, small and big lives. Like ours." —Adriana PÁramo

"Always honest and surprising, Buitron's book showcases multiple essay forms to tell a powerful, timeless story. A wonderful debut." —Dinty W. Moore

In this electrifying debut, Victoria Buitron comes of age between Ecuador and the United States as she explores her ancestry, learns two languages, and searches for a place she can call home. It portrays not only the immigrant experience, but the often-overlooked repatriate experience while interweaving facets of depression, family history, and self-love. With the utmost honesty, A Body Across Two Hemispheres encompasses the deep and complex layers of teenage life into adulthood—and the sacrifices made along the way for Victoria to become who she was meant to be all along.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2022

Reviews

[Madeline Deluca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that every person needs in their lives. It’s soft, strong, meaningful, and incredibly beautiful. I didn’t want to stop reading but I forced myself to go slowly, savoring each essay. Victoria Buitron is insanely talented.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Body Across Two Hemispheres" is a beautifully written, poignant, and heartfelt memoir. There is such grace and honesty in Victoria's voice. What resonated with me the most was the genuine feeling I got from reading this book - I always say that readers gravitate towards the real, and Victoria does not shy away from letting her readers see her reality. I highly recommend this book - a read I will not soon forget.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut memoir! Buitron's writing is strong and unique--her voice is distinct. Many of these essays captivated me. In the Southern Hemisphere section, I felt like I was experiencing Ecuador right alongside Victoria--she made it feel that vivid and real.

My favorite essays by far were "The Garbage Collector's Daughter" and "My Chosen Family;" I also really enjoyed "Bodybreak" and "The Newlywed Game." I learned a lot about Ecuadorian culture, border issues, and how truly broken the US immigration system is. While the collection is heavy at times due to discussion of sexism, colorism, racism, and immigration issues, there are many moments of beauty too. I loved hearing about her relationship with her husband and their adventures and deep respect for and love/acceptance of each other.

Definitely will look to read more from Victoria in the future!

[Lona · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice collection of essays! Through her insightful and prolific writing, Buitron engages the reader in a wide range of topics.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I saw the title of this book, I had a feeling it would speak to me on a deeply personal level. Having family and ties across the Americas is such a challenge and struggle. I did not think that I would be able to read a book with someone telling us about her life and thinking this person understands and has lived through a similar experience to me.

So much of my life and my family's life overlaps and intersects with Buitron's life. The structure of the book from The Southern Hemisphere, Between Borders, and The Northern Hemisphere was so good and drives the point home. Where is home? What does it mean for you to have the ability to travel within spaces and your family does not or cannot?

I cannot express how seen I felt reading this book. Our life experiences might not be exactly the same, but so many points while reading this book I had to pause and close the book to let the feelings wash over me. I thought wow, you have said so perfectly the thing I have felt...I did not think I would have that experience with a book.

Thank you Victoria for writing.

[Brian Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly fascinating collection of essays about the author's unique childhood (and adulthood) in North and South America. I couldn’t help but connect with the people in her essays as they persevered through personal, familial, and systemic hardships and shake my fist when the world dealt them an injustice. Highly recommend.

[Laurie Biggs Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Victoria Buitron’s writing since participating in writing workshops with her last year, and was eagerly awaiting her memoir. It didn’t disappoint. She uses lush sensory images and details to tell her the story of her life and I was absolutely entranced from beginning to end.

[Carlye Mazzucco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is so beautifully written! Every essay, every sentence, every word flows seamlessly with each other. Victoria Buitron is a breakout star, and I cannot wait to read her next book!

[Megan Seery · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved, loved this memoir

[jeffrey b wiltsee · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

Very good book. Very well written. It was an eye opener for me and caused me to want to share the information with others

[Liz Márquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from a fellow Ecuadorian woman, this book was everything to me. To be seen the way Victoria made me feel seen, is everything.

Some favorites included: "How to Be an Ecuadorian Girl," "Crab Feast," "The Newlywed Game," and "(Un)Documented."