immigration

We Had Our Reasons is a collection of poems created by Ricardo Ruiz in collaboration with other members of his Mexican farm community in Eastern Washington. The poems, vivid and pointed, guide the reader through the thoughts and struggles that come with the decision to leave one's home in Mexico, and travel to this remote, rural community of the United States. Through the book access is provided to readers; stories that have gone untold for generations are now shared, evoking conversation at home and within the community due to the commonality of experiences.

In 1891, Swedish immigrant Jonas Jönsson comes to America dreaming of a farm with a herd of spotted cattle, sturdy horses, and a big red barn that will dwarf the meager dwellings left behind in Sweden. With fits and starts, triumphs and tragedies, Jönsson’s pursuit of his dreams becomes a twisted journey across the sweep of American history. Turn-of-the-century Minnesota provides the setting, actual events form the backdrop, and real persons weave in and out of Jönsson’s fictional story.

A rival suitor and a deadly attack are enough to put a damper on any date.