Structure

Separated follows three key story lines: the child separation policy, the border wall construction, and Juan and Jose’s journey. Each story line is updated in chronological order. While the book is divided into twelve chapters, it is subdivided by date. The dates are chosen for certain milestones, such as government memorandums, a court date, or a public appearance by an official, be this the president, a secretary, or border patrol officer. Within this dated header, Soboroff often includes information and incidents that happen days after or before. The events happening before or beyond the established sub-header date can generate reader confusion as to the exact timeline of events. However, an overall understanding of month and year can be kept as Soboroff painstakingly unravels the facts for each key storyline.

The main account, that of the separations policy, remains front and center through Soboroff’s book. Soboroff...