Helena María Viramontes: “Under the Feet of Jesus”

2019-2020 UO Common Reading Selection: Under the Feet of Jesus by Helena María Viramontes

A story of loss and survival, Under the Feet of Jesus is a lyrical, powerful novel about the lives of the children, women, and men who endure a difficult existence and labor under dangerous conditions as migrant workers in California’s fields. Through central characters like the teenager, Estrella, and her mother, Petra, the book explores interrelated topics of farm labor, health care, material resources, and environmental justice. The title of the book refers to birth certificates and other important documents kept in a portable statue of Jesus that moves with the family to each new location along the agricultural production cycle.

Learn more about Viramontes’ Under the Feet of Jesus here.

• October 21 at 4 pm
  Public Talk: EMU Ballroom
• October 22 at 6 pm
  Public Reading & Conversation: Eugene Public Library
• October 23 at 10 am
  Teaching Writing Workshop for Faculty and GEs

Sponsored by the UO Common Reading Program. CLLAS is a cosponsor for the campus visit of Helena María Viramontes.

Tags: Common Reading, farmworkers, Helena María Viramontes, Under the Feet of Jesus, UO