Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr is a novel about an American couple, Richard and Sara Everton, who move to the small, rural Mexican village of Ibarra to reopen a copper mine that Richard’s ancestors once operated. They are seeking a fresh start after Richard is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The novel is not just about their journey of rebuilding the mine, but also about their gradual integration into the rhythms and lives of the local community.
Through a series of interconnected stories and rich, poetic descriptions, Stones for Ibarra explores themes of love, loss, cultural differences, and the passage of time. It portrays the tension between the couple’s desire to impose their will on the land and the quiet, enduring strength of the village’s traditions. The novel is deeply reflective, showing how the Evertons’ experiences in Ibarra ultimately transform them, even as they face inevitable tragedy.
Doerr’s prose is both elegant and profound, and the novel won the National Book Award for its evocative depiction of both the human spirit and the complexities of cross-cultural relationships.
