Midnight Cactus

by Bella Pollen

Seeking a respite from her claustrophobic marriage and life in London, Alice Kuhlman moves to the Arizona desert with her two small children, Jack and Emmy, to renovate a small abandoned mining town near the border with Mexico. In the dusty, alien atmosphere, Alice is uncertain whom to trust.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Raised in New York , Bella Pollen is a writer and journalist who has contributed to a variety of publications, including Uk and American Vogue, The Times, the Sunday Telegraph and the Observer.

Author of five previous novels, including the best selling Hunting Unicorns and critically acclaimed Summer of the Bear, Pollen has tackled a broad spectrum of subjects from Cold War intrigue to decline of the British Aristocracy to the immigration issues of the US/Mexican Border.

With Meet Me in the In-Between, an illustrated memoir, Pollen takes us on her illuminating, funny and often painful quest to keep looking for the extraordinary in an ordinary life.
​
Pollen divides her time between London and the American mid-west.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually write long reviews, but I feel driven to defend this book. Some of the critical reviews on Goodreads seem to be written by people who missed the humor. It's true the main character is a bit of a ditz, especially at the beginning. One reviewer criticized the book because Alice, the character, should have known about rattlesnakes. But Alice is a city slicker (a Londoner), so OF COURSE she doesn't know. It's FUNNY... The handsome cowboy puts her straight later. Someone else complained that the kids are brats. Well, while I want my REAL kids to be well behaved, I actually like it when kids in books are as hilarious as these ones. The author really captures how kids talk and act at their most infuriating. The whole book was written with sparkling energy and enthusiasm, which carried me over some clunkiness in the plot. As an American from Colorado, I felt the Americans were too caricatured at times, but it was fun to see how we appear to a Brit (gee, we're exotic!). She has a knack for capturing how people talk. There is one bizarre, funny conversation featuring Winifred the police officer that I couldn't resist reading out loud to my husband in its entirety.

[Marliss Bombardier · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth your time. Just another book about a woman who is dissatisfied in her marriage. She drags her children from Scotland to Arizona to put some space in her marriage. I didn't finish reading the book. Her children come off as brats, which she fails to see or discipline. The mystery was somewhat intriguing, but not enough to hold me to the book despite the annoying self-centeredness of the main character.

Also, obviously Bella Pollen and/or her editor failed to do minimal research on Arizona, which lent an air of unreality to the book. The airport is not "Phoenix airport", it is Sky Harbor. It does not stand out at night in the midst of an uninhabited wasteland. The lights of Phoenix at night spread out below the plane for miles--the airport is indistinguishable. And it doesn't get down to 10 degrees in Phoenix. It gets cold, but not that cold.

[Ape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow-moving (feels like real time) and enjoyable story (I don't always need fast paced stories) set in Arizona, about a great many things. I live in the UK, so it's interesting to read about life in a completely different environment (the desert on the border between Arizona and Mexico).

It's about Alice, a professional London woman with two kids, nanny, rich (but pathetic husband - towards the end he makes a comment, I'm here now so you don't have to think, which just about says it all about the marriage she's in). He's some kind of investor that's gotten into trouble and ended up owning a ghost town, Temerosa, about 6 miles off the Mexican border. Interesting that this is somewhere people rushed to fulfill big crazy dreams of finding it all and then it all just not working out - rather like Alice running off from London to find herself, the illegal Mexican immigrants coming for the good life. And what a reception they get... So Alice and her kids move to Temerosa to oversee the refurnishment of the ghost town into some kind of spa getaway for rich idiots. Her foreman, Duval, is an American cowboy of few words until you get to know him, working with a team of Mexican workmen. As they settle into life there they get to know the locals and the various levels of corruption going on. There's the white vigilantes with their comfortable, priviledged lives for whom the existence of poor or desperate is an offence, people in law enforcement positions who help, the Mexicans, some legal, some illegally living over there, and all the ridiculous preconceptions that go with them all. It's interesting as well how so many people are fearful of whats gone on before them and what may come after, even though it's all cyclical. Alice has nothing to do with her own mother who walked out on her own family when Alice was a little girl - and yet Alice, who had kids in her early twenties, and is stifled by her marriage, is looking for herself and freedom, perhaps in similiar ways to her own mother. The Mexicans are looking for a better life for themselves and their families - rather as Europeans did a couple of hundred years ago, displacing the native Americans. Perhaps now they're fearful that the Mexicans will do the same to them.

Anyway, it's all a finding yourself story. The kids stop being quite the spoilt London brats they were, Alice's mind opens, she discovers love (slightly predictable and soppy, with melodramatic end but hey ho) and it's interesting to read about the troubles Latin Americans have trying to get a decent life. This was written in 2006, but it's still a big problem and very relevant. And it seems things don't get any better. As if building a big wall will solve the problem... but anyway, let's not get into that.

I've seen some American readers really surprised by how dumb Alice is in not having her driving licence, insurance or car ownership papers on her in the car. This is the norm in the UK. Even back in 2006 no one had car ownership and insurance papers in the car. These days it doesn't matter as the police can just pop the car reg into the computer system and find out everything they want to know about the car anyway.

[Julia Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty, gritty and engrossing.

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like this book. I'm able to remember it with a little more appreciation after we talked about it at book club. (Well, other people talked...I mostly ranted about the main character being British and hating tea...sorry, everyone.) I did not enjoy reading this book...but it did elicit a reaction from me, so maybe it's not all bad. I was infuriated with Alice, the main character, throughout the entire novel. She's self-indulgent, self-serving, self-centered and just plain selfish. If she were well-drawn and all of these things, I could handle it, but all of the characters in Midnight Cactus seem just barely sketched and not at all colored in. And not the kind of 'not colored in' where I felt it was up to me to infer and fill in the details...more like they chopped some backstory or some important narration that would have explained the ridiculous things these people do and say.

The relationship which develops between Alice and another main character (I don't want to spoil it if you haven't read it) was very heavy-handed. Some of their dialogue reminded me of the trailers I keep seeing on tv for Richard Gere's new movie, "Nights in Rodanthe" where he says things like, "Who keeps you safe?" and "I came here to close a chapter in my life." WHO SAYS STUFF LIKE THIS??? Well, Alice and mystery man do, that's who. "With all the reasons in the world to run, you stayed." and "I used to watch for my father out that window. Now, perhaps, I will watch for you." Sigh. Maybe I'm callous and hard-hearted, but that just does not do it for me.

On the other hand, like we said at the book club meeting, it was interesting to read about the experience of crossing and re-crossing the border, and what it's like to live in a border town. That alone wouldn't be reason enough for me to read this book, though.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Hunting Unicorns I decided to read another book by Bella pollen. Quite different, but I enjoyed this one too. I usually go for Murder and Crime and this in the end had a bit of a both but not in the way I usually find. This is more light hearted and focused on the main character rather the crimes being committed or who will solve them.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm getting tired of books with young British children and an author who can't tell the difference between "precocious" and "obnoxious".
The pacing of the book was strange. It was ACTION, boring... boring... boring... BORING... ACTION!, odd non-ending.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engrossing story of people caught up in efforts to escape from their past as they attempt to forge a new life. a vivid portrait of the immigrant story today.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute drivel, life is too short, I actually gave up

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Midnight Cactus by Bella Pollen is about a woman named Alice who moves herself and her two young children from London to an abandoned mining town in Arizona, with the intention of renovating it as a holiday village. She quickly gets embroiled in local politics and the conflict between landowners and those trying to help Mexican refugees crossing the border.

I liked Alice as a protagonist - she had a fair few flaws but I related to her struggle to find a place in the world, amidst conflicting obligations and desires.

The world of this remote community in Arizona was very well-drawn and immersive, though I didn't necessarily feel like the relationship between Alice and Duval had a particularly believable progression and I wasn't invested in them having a future by the end of the book. Which turned out to be useful, since the ending was very nebulous and I was left wondering what was going to happen next (and not in the 'life goes on after the book' way that can be very effective).

There were aspects of the children's involvement that worked well - but they both seemed very mature for their ages to me (not emotionally, but in terms of how they spoke and the concepts they seemed able to grasp), though I don't have much contact with children so who am I to say?

So, certainly well written with regards to the main character and the setting, but I'm not sure I can say it was entirely successful for me in terms of a satisfying plot.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will preface this by saying that Bella Pollen's book The Summer of the Bear is one of the best books I've ever read and even if you hated this book, you should give her another chance.

I found this book almost inspirational because it was so mediocre, so it shows you can definitely improve as a writer. It was an interesting premise, particularly because she was writing in 2006 about issues that would come to completely dominate US politics ten years later. I found her writing about the children enjoyable (her ability to capture children's voices is one reason that makes The Summer... so good) and thought she captured desert life, particularly its desperation, really well. But the romance seemed very lazy, I just didn't care about Duval or their love at all, and the El Turron plot was rushed and completely unbelievable.

It's certainly a gripping enough story to read in the sunshine, but don't expect anything as special as The Summer of the Bear.

[Mary C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a good read. I loved the wordy description of the desert and mountains, it would personally be too hot for me there but what a beautiful place to see, at least in my imagination for now. It also brings to mind the problem we have with the border of Mexico, no I don't think we should build a wall, but there has to be a more humane way to deal wit hour neighbors to the south. This book sat on my TBR shelf for a while, I'm happy for that because it gave me something different to read in a bit of a difficult time.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has an interesting writing style that I began to enjoy once I got used to it. The story is set in Arizona, so I was intrigued by her descriptions of the landscape and towns, as I now live there in the winter. She deals with the immigration issue and native rights in her narrative that leave one thinking. There's a nice progression that leads to a climax that gets you totally involved. I'm going to check out her other books.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the whole scenario to unbelievable to take seriously unfortunately. I can't believe a woman would drag her children into such a situation. The kids by the way were thoroughly spoiled brats . I finished the book because it wasn't so bad that I felt like abandoning it but it won't be one I'll revisit.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult book to describe. Love story, adventure, mystery, realistic story of the modern day Mexican-American border and all the turmoil there. To understand the plight of Mexicans crossing the dessert, looking for a better life, this is the book to read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Arizona and the Mexican border, Alice - escaping from marriage in London - looks for a new life. And she finds it.

[Miss Michelle Ridley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story in this book and I haven’t read anything like it before, but I found the ending really open and didn’t feel like it finished it off very well.

[Wileyoneone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little slow to start with and I wasn't sure where it was going but eventually I found it quite intriguing - mainly for the story surrounding border crossings and the issues surrounding that.
I thought the female lead was an idiot at times, she could be incredibly thoughtless and selfish and naive but I am willing to temper that with the idea that her unfamiliarity with the country really would mean she would have little clue, and her lifestyle was previously all about her. Not the best mother, but the children provided some moments of relief that I thought were clever and had a character of their own.
Benjamin's character and story was interesting, as were minor characters such as Winfred and Nora. In fact I would have liked a little closer look at them.
Duval I liked, a tough yet compassionate man is alwasy irresistable. He has an interesting part in the story.
Men like the dentist should be forced to do the border crossing, or be hunted across the desert. Its not his land he cares about, but power.
Anyway, an interesting read, an issue that is new to me and would recommend it if asked.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that involves the landscape as a character in the story. Alice brings her two children from London to Temerosa, Arizona, ostensibly to start rehabbing the ghost town her husband has been saddled with. The plan is to turn it into a retreat or a spa-town.

Within days, she finds herself adjusting to life on her own. The contractor she hires on the advice of the town's caretaker seems to hate her very presence and his employees, she discovers, change daily. They also don't speak English, and she quickly comes to suspect him of trafficking in illegal Mexican workers.

As the story unwinds, the real story becomes more complicated on just about every level: personal, political, emotional, and physical. Alice comes to see how very challenging the geography and interpersonal contacts are, and things certainly don't turn out well. This is a story about the difference between people who have plans and those who don't plan at all.

[Donia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am going to be critical here. Usually I give authors a bit of slack but there is so much wrong with this book. It could have been a good story but it was ruined by the fact that this author does NOT know anything about Arizona. If one is going to write about a place that they don't know about they should learn about it first. And...where was the editor here? So the story is about a mother who is pissed at her husband because he doesn't understand her so drags her brats (age 5 & 7 )to the other side of the world. The first 24 hours they are in the US she makes them walk across the isolated desert (was this a metaphor) filled with rattle snakes, and with nothing to eat or drink they hike around looking at old disgusting cabins in the wilderness; cabins that are likely filled with scorpions and snakes etc. Give me a break. Mom doesn't carry any identification; buys a car without knowing anything about paperwork. Even in a foreign country there are rules. Duh.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Hunting Unicorns, I looked forward to reading this book. It is a much more serious story that deals with some difficult topics and feelings. Pollen juxtaposes the story of a woman escaping a comfortable life but unsatisfying marriage with the stories of illegal immigrants escaping poverty and hardship but leaving behind loved ones and treasured relationships. The exploration of relationships, feelings and loyalties is subtle but quite striking. Some of the themes are complex and confronting, such as the issue of illegal immigrants. Pollens writing finds the right balance between painting a striking picture of the landscape and people, relationships, and moral issues, while still weaving a storyline that moves along at a good pace with enough twists and turns to keep you really engaged.

[Lori Aberle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very insightful book.
As an American living in England, it was interesting to read about the reverse. In this book, however, the protagonist has major family and self-discovery issues. Plus the moral dilemmas involved with living near the Mexican border.

I didn't like the fact that the children are very much on the peripheral and always cast into the care of others. Sure, there are a few touching moments, but the mothering left a lot to be desired.

I did find the ending to be VERY disappointing as it really seems she makes the wrong set of choices.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but I got super bored with this book. It seemed to drag on and on! The characters were fine, and it was a great story, but I felt like the author took too long to get to the point. Alice moves from London to a small border town in Arizona with her two young children. She is fleeing from her failing marriage, and is seeking to redefine herself and start a new life. The book deals heavily with immigration politics, and the hardships faced by the immigrants and the people who try to help them. Not bad, but not great.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd actually like to give this 3.5 stars for the record, but I don't think that's possible. Anyway, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would after the first few chapters. I found the main character quite difficult to engage with initially, but found her much more likeable by the end of the book.

The story itself was interesting and compelling,raising questions about racism that are certainly valid outside the Arizona setting of the book. An enjoyable read that makes you think a little bit about how you treat other people and your perception of them, as well as other's perception of you.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thia was a good read. I think it could easily be on Oprah Winfrey's book list. A great story about life and the lessons we learn. The trials of doing the right thing when we feel like something else. The story takes place in the severe desert of Arizona and Mexico on the border. Hsving spent some time in Tuscon and visiting Nogales Mexico it was fun to read the story and remember the place. I personally like fairy tale endings which this does not have...so I have already imagined an alternate ending! You will enjoy this book....I have and will share!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was as good as Hunting Unicorns, but more serious. Extremely well written, although I did not like the protagonist's children. I don't believe they were intended to be "children only a mother could love," but that was my reaction. However, this did not interfere with my enthusiastic enjoyment of the book. I also now have a deeper understanding of the humane elements of the illegal immigration issue.

[Chenice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book at a local charity shop and it's been sitting on my bookshelf for over a year when suddenly I re-read the blurb and decided to give it a go... boy, I'm so glad I did.
This book was very well written in an easy prose. The plot and characters have the right complexity to keep the reader intrigued and in suspense.I love the setting and the comparisons between the UK and Mexico. I would definitely recommend this novel.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between 2 1/2 and 3 stars. Easy to read - good social commentary (about illegals crossing the border). Interestingly, this was a huge hit with critics from England (the author is from England), but it's all about the Southwest U.S. She's a decent writer and some of it was very good; but it bogged down in a few places.

[Kathryn]

Another great summer read. Also living in AZ, and familiar w/the topography of southern AZ and it's concerns of immigrants in relation to a woman from the Orknay Islands and her childrens experiences in a totally differnt setting, makes great reading. She's can also be quite humerous; a quick entertaining read.