The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island by Heather Webb

4.05 AVERAGE

catreader18's review against another edition

5.0
The Next Ship Home is a story set in Ellis Island in 1902. Thousands of immigrants arrived on ships and went through Ellis Island in hopes to be allowed entry to the US. Alma, a matron at Ellis Island, helped the immigrants by translating and ensuring they were treated humanely. Francesca is an Italian immigrant who faces difficulties upon arrival at Ellis Island. Her sister is sick and they do not have someone to meet them or a job (a requirement to enter the US). Francesca and Alma begin a friendship that evolves in the book.

Both woman have a lot to overcome in this story. I was captivated by their stories and the story of Ellis Island. The story is inspired by true events and at the end of the book the author includes a little history, book club questions, and a Q&A with her in her writing.

This is wonderful book if you like historical fiction. It is not only the story of Ellis Island but the story of lives in 1902.
kbranfield's profile picture

kbranfield's review against another edition

4.0
4.5 stars.
susan_loves_stories's profile picture

susan_loves_stories's review

4.0
emotional hopeful informative sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A
sjchaima's profile picture

sjchaima's review against another edition

3.5
adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

mirandakelly's review against another edition

3.5
emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
sonia_reppe's profile picture

sonia_reppe's review

5.0
1902: Two young women arriving at Ellis Island from Italy are almost sent back because they don't have a male relative with them or meeting them. A young American woman of German descent, Anna, helps them. Depictions of the chaotic bustle of Ellis Island and the corruption there that Anna confronts and fights are colorful and energetic. The POV is shared between Anna and Francesca, (one of the young Italian women). Both of their stories kept me riveted. I would recommend this historical drama.
blue_mountain_sky's profile picture

blue_mountain_sky's review

3.0
challenging dark emotional hopeful tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

claireeastin's review

4.0
Women the world over are wearied of patriarchy.

jhen's review

3.5
hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
If you like something like Firefly Lane, that'll be an upgrade. Plot is interesting, but characters are still flat as well as the world around them. 

prncss1204's review

4.0
dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated