Whose Names Are Unknown By Sanora Babby

Sanora Babb’s novel “Whose Names Are Unknown” is a poignant and powerful exploration of the lives of migrant farm workers during the Great Depression. At the heart of the story are the members of the Dunne family, a fictional representation of the countless families who were uprooted from their homes and forced to seek work in the agricultural fields of California.

Through the Dunne family, Babb provides a deeply empathetic and nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by these invisible and often nameless individuals. Each member of the family represents a different facet of the migrant experience, and their individual stories serve to illuminate the broader social and economic forces that shaped the lives of these workers. At the center of

Through the Dunne family, a fictional representation of the countless families who were uprooted from their homes and forced to seek work in the agricultural fields of California, Babb offers a deeply empathetic and nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by these invisible and often nameless individuals. Each member of the Dunne family represents a different facet of the migrant experience, shedding light on the broader social and economic forces that shaped the lives of these

As the emotional anchor of the family, Ruth provides unwavering support and love to her husband and children in the face of daunting challenges. However, she is haunted by memories of their former life and struggles to come to terms with their new reality as migrant workers. Ruth’s internal conflict reflects the disproportionate impact of the Great Depression on women, who often bore the brunt of hardships and sacrifices as primary caretakers of their families. Babb’s portrayal of Ruth underscores the resilience and struggles of women during this tumultuous