What is the importance of the open desert surrounding Bocho Raro in the novel, All the Crooked Saints?

The desert itself is a human-like presence in this novel. Fear of the harsh and open land is something both Sorias and pilgrims have in common. Most people do not leave Bicho Raro on foot unless they want to die, which is something a Soria uncle did many years ago. The desert consumes the small Soria village. It engulfs the area where people gather to live and is said to be relentless in its wind, beating sun, and lack of water. In fact, it is this remoteness caused by the desert that helps shape so much of the Soria world. Most do not leave the village, and so most spend their lives living next to people the love and yet people they cannot speak to. This landscape, created by the Colorado desert, helps shape the characters. Pete is the only character in the story that sees the desert for both its terrifying nature and for its gorgeous beauty.