Books matching: immigrant life
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Sajni Patel's debut novel, 'The Trouble with Hating You', follows the story of Liya and Jay, two South Asian leads with a hate-to-love dynamic set in India. The book explores themes of cultural expectations, arranged marriages, past trauma, and strong female friendships. The writing style is praised for its authentic portrayal of Hindu immigrant life, nuanced discussion of tradition, and conscious approach to building a serious relationship between the main characters.
My mom absolutely loved the crap out of WhatsApp. She didn’t know how to text, but she could do anything on WhatsApp—including sending me a half dozen pictures of the guy she and my dad had chosen for... - #2
Save:"Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok follows the story of Kimberly Chang, a young Chinese immigrant who moves to New York City with her mother. They face poverty, harsh working conditions, and cultural challenges while trying to build a better life. Kimberly excels in school despite her struggles with the English language, working in a sweatshop to support her family. The book portrays Kimberly's journey of resilience, determination, and growth as she navigates the complexities of her dual life.
The narrative in "Girl in Translation" is described as engaging and emotionally impactful, capturing the reader's attention with its portrayal of immigrant experiences, poverty, aspirations, and sacrifices. Through Kimberly's perspective, the author, Jean Kwok, skillfully weaves a story that delves into the challenges faced by immigrants in America, highlighting the importance of education, perseverance, and the pursuit of a better future despite adversities.
A sheet of melting ice lay over the concrete. I watched my rubber boots closely, the way the toes slid on the ice, the way the heels splintered it. Ice was something I had known only in the form of sm... - #3
Save:The novel "Call It Sleep" by Henry Roth is a poignant portrayal of the immigrant experience in early 20th-century New York City. The story follows David, a young Jewish boy raised by Polish immigrant parents, as he navigates the harsh realities of urban life in neighborhoods like Brownsville and the Lower East Side. Through David's eyes, the reader witnesses the struggles of assimilation, family dynamics, and the quest for identity in a diverse and challenging environment. The book delves deep into themes of childhood trauma, depression, and the complexities of growing up in a multicultural society, all while painting a vivid picture of the bustling cityscape and the intimate struggles within immigrant families.
THE small white steamer, Peter Stuyvesant., that delivered the immigrants from the stench and throb of the steerage to the stench and the throb of New York tenements, rolled slightly on the water besi... - #4
Save:Accordion Crimes by Annie Proulx is a novel that follows the journey of a green accordion as it passes through the hands of various owners, each representing a different aspect of American immigrant life. The book delves into the interconnected stories of these owners, exploring themes of tragedy, prejudice, and cultural diversity. Proulx's writing style is described as detailed, intricate, and filled with historical context, offering a vivid portrayal of the struggles and hardships faced by immigrants in America.
It was as if his eye were an ear and a crackle went through it each time he shot a look at the accordion. The instrument rested on the bench, lacquer gleaming like wet sap. Rivulets of light washed mo... - #5
Save:'Elizabeth Street' by Laurie Fabiano is a historical fiction novel based on true events in the author's family. The story follows Giovanna, an Italian immigrant who faces challenges in America in the early 1900s, including dealing with the Black Hand, the precursor to the Italian mafia. The book portrays the immigrant experience, struggles, and triumphs of one Italian family, primarily through the perspective of the matriarch, Giovanna. The narrative moves between Italy and New York City, highlighting the hardships faced by Italian immigrants and the resilience of the characters.
Giovanna Costa gripped her father’s arm as he escorted her down the aisle. Nearly everyone from the tiny southern fishing village was in the church of the pescatori, Santa Maria di Porto Salvo. People... - #6
Save:"The Master Butchers Singing Club" by Louise Erdrich tells the story of Fidelis Waldvogel, a German immigrant and master butcher who settles in the fictional town of Argus, North Dakota, with his wife Eva and their family. The narrative spans several decades, exploring the lives of vividly drawn characters in the town, including Delphine, a vaudeville performer, and her relationship with Fidelis and Eva. Through lyrical storytelling, the book delves into themes of immigration, friendship, love, and the complexities of life between the World Wars.
The writing style in the book is described as elegantly written, expansive, and full of poetic flourishes that bring the characters and landscapes to life. Readers praise Louise Erdrich's ability to create compelling characters, vivid descriptions, and a sense of place that immerses them in the small town of Argus, North Dakota, during a tumultuous period in American history.
FIDELIS WALKED home from the great war in twelve days and slept thirty-eight hours once he crawled into his childhood bed. When he woke in Germany in late November of the year 1918, he was only a few ... - #7
Save:"My Ántonia" by Willa Cather is a novel set in late 19th-century Nebraska, following the lives of several immigrant families through the eyes of the protagonist, Jim Burden. The story revolves around the character of the Bohemian immigrant woman, Ántonia, and her enduring friendship with Jim. The narrative is a collection of memories that depict the challenges and joys of life on the prairie, capturing the essence of the American Midwest during that era. The plot is character-driven, focusing on the growth and experiences of the main characters over a span of 30 years.
I FIRST HEARD OF Ántonia on what seemed to me an interminable journey across the great midland plain of North America. I was ten years old then; I had lost both my father and mother within a year, and... - #8
Save:May Amelia is the only girl born on the Nasel River, surrounded by seven brothers. She resents being treated as a miracle due to her gender and longs to be considered one of the boys. The story follows May Amelia's adventures, struggles, and hopes, set against the backdrop of pioneer life in the late 1800s, with themes of family dynamics, cultural diversity, and the challenges of frontier living.
- #9
Save:'Her Mother's Daughter' by Marilyn French is a multi-generational family saga that delves into the lives of strong women in one family, exploring themes of mother-daughter relationships, women's struggles, and cultural norms over time. The narrative shifts between different generations, showcasing the hardships and survival skills of the characters, while also questioning societal expectations and gender roles. The writing style includes a mix of first-person and third-person narration, as well as journal entries, providing a deep insight into the characters' emotions and experiences.
MY MOTHER LIVED TO be old, although she always said she would die young. All through my childhood she warned me—threatened me?—that because of her defective heart, she would depart early from this val... - #10
Save:Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee is a novel that delves into the lives of young Korean Americans in New York City, exploring themes such as identity, family expectations, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of success. The story follows Casey Han, a Princeton graduate navigating post-college life, relationships, and career choices while grappling with her Korean heritage and American upbringing. Through a diverse cast of characters, the book offers a multi-layered narrative that touches on issues of class, money, ambition, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery.
As a capable young woman, Casey Han felt compelled to choose respectability and success. But it was glamour and insight that she craved. A Korean immigrant who’d grown up in a dim, blue-collar neighbo...
