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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
The Next Ship Home gives an in-depth look at the dark side of Ellis Island. It wasn't always the safe haven gateway to the American dream we learned about in school. My own great grandparents came through in the 1920s so I am always interested to learn more about the immigrant experience at different times throughout history. This book does not sugarcoat the shameful corruption and mistreatment, but it still manages to deliver a hopeful and engaging story. The main characters, Francesca and Alma, felt very authentic and I know their stories will stay with me for a long time. I'm looking forward to discussing The Next Ship Home with my book club!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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:
No
I enjoyed this historical novel. It is the story of two young women: one an Italian immigrant, the other a first generation American woman of German descent who works at Ellis Island. The story takes in 1902, just a few years before my paternal grandparents passed through Ellis Island as immigrants. Having been to Ellis Island a few years ago, I could actually picture the places where some of the events take place.
Each woman has problems with her family and other male authority figures. Each learns that she must stand up for herself and face the consequences. Somewhat stereotypically, the Italian immigrant is portrayed as a beautiful woman, and sometimes she uses that beauty to her advantage, while the German woman, described by her stepfather as "too ugly to get a husband", has intelligence and a facility and interest in language. Yet, I found the story compelling and readable: I cared about what happened with Alma and Francesca. And if there were to be a sequel, I would surely read it.
The story also highlights parallels to current times and how we sometimes tend to think of immigrants and various ethnicities as "less than." In addition, Alma's brother, Fritz, is labelled an anarchist for fighting for fair wages and unions for his fellow workers digging the New York subway.
"He liked to direct his anger at someone to relieve a pressure valve somewhere inside him, to belittle someone else to make him feel like a big strong man. An important someone. . . . One day her friend must learn to speak up for herself, or he would never relent and she would go on believing what he said was true." (233)
Each woman has problems with her family and other male authority figures. Each learns that she must stand up for herself and face the consequences. Somewhat stereotypically, the Italian immigrant is portrayed as a beautiful woman, and sometimes she uses that beauty to her advantage, while the German woman, described by her stepfather as "too ugly to get a husband", has intelligence and a facility and interest in language. Yet, I found the story compelling and readable: I cared about what happened with Alma and Francesca. And if there were to be a sequel, I would surely read it.
The story also highlights parallels to current times and how we sometimes tend to think of immigrants and various ethnicities as "less than." In addition, Alma's brother, Fritz, is labelled an anarchist for fighting for fair wages and unions for his fellow workers digging the New York subway.
"He liked to direct his anger at someone to relieve a pressure valve somewhere inside him, to belittle someone else to make him feel like a big strong man. An important someone. . . . One day her friend must learn to speak up for herself, or he would never relent and she would go on believing what he said was true." (233)
My father came through Ellis Island from Italy with his mother in 1925. It was very difficult for me to read of the unfair treatment of the immigrants and Italians in general. My grandmother had a man waiting for her so she did not face that problem as Francesca did. But to imagine her traveling across the ocean with a 12 year old boy under the horrid conditions described in this book is heartbreaking. I could feel the smelly claustrophobic conditions on the ship. I could feel the fear of the unknown as they arrived in New York and the confusion of not understanding what anyone is saying around them. The author did a masterful job of describing these conditions. She explained the politics of the situation at that time in a very real way. The newspaper articles mentioned demonstrated how the press of the day had a hand in improving conditions. The author's notes explained which characters were based on a real person, including the villain, John Lambert, although she changed some of the names and took literary license with details. Our heroines, though fictional, were strong and realistic women. This book will stick with me for a long time.
Engaging novel set in New York City in the early 1900’s, detailing the challenges faced by immigrants at Ellis Island. Francesca and her sister escape an abusive father to emigrate to America. Once at Ellis Island, the corruption of some staff and inspectors lead her to make some terrible choices to enter the country. Alma is a daughter of German immigrants who is working at Ellis Island and cares about the immigrants well being. The two become friends and come to rely on each other for support. The racism and bigotry depicted between the various immigrant groups is a lesson for today’s world. The courage and dedication to truth becomes essential for these two women. Well written and recommended. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.
This story is told in third person from the POV of the German-American Alma and Sicilian Francesca. I strongly recommend this book for your book clubs. It contains so many scenarios that would make for great discussions ranging from the fascinating history behind Ellis Island to immigrant issues, ethnic and cultural segregation, political and governmental corruption, labor unions, and witnessed injustice and whether to report it or keep your mouth shut and head down to protect your loved ones. Plus Alma’s brother was working on the subway tunnels, which I found fascinating and I would have loved to know more about it!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
I LOVE historical fiction, and this book definitely did not disappoint. This is the story of two unlikely friends, Alma and Francesca. Alma was born in America, and taught to dislike all immigrants, especially those from Italy. Francesca is an immigrant from Italy who comes to America thru Ellis Island, where Alma works.
This book was so emotional and really brought to light the many issues immigrants experience. I loved the friendship between Alma and Francesca, and how they grew as characters. Very highly recommend this book.
This book was so emotional and really brought to light the many issues immigrants experience. I loved the friendship between Alma and Francesca, and how they grew as characters. Very highly recommend this book.