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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have always been so fascinated by Ellis Island. This book was a wonderful read for me because it combines my love of historical fiction and my fascination with Ellis Island. This book with well written, engaging, and kept me as the reader wanting to know more about the outcome of the story and the history of the Island. I also really enjoyed the author‘s note explaining how the book came about it and who the characters were based upon. I highly recommend this five star read.
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5 stars rounded up.
In 1902, Francesca arrives in America, having left Italy in hopes of a better life. She arrives the same day that Alma begins working at Ellis Island. Alma, born in America, is the daughter of German heritage with a gift for language. Alma’s family taught her to dislike immigrants, and Italians are at the top of their list. But Alma sees Francesca’s struggles, and, though the challenges are somewhat different, they are also similar in that, because they are women, they have been controlled by the physical and emotional abuse of men—men who wield their authority to essentially enslave women.
I’ve read stories about the immigrant experience both at the turn of the century and much more recently, so I was familiar with some of the struggles and the abuse that people without money or the ability to speak English fluently can be subjected to, but I never stopped to think of any abuses that occurred on Ellis Island such as screwing immigrants over financially, or, for women, being subjected to much worse abuse.
I liked the characters, except, of course, the mean men, and the story is compelling.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this historical novel, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 8, 2022.
In 1902, Francesca arrives in America, having left Italy in hopes of a better life. She arrives the same day that Alma begins working at Ellis Island. Alma, born in America, is the daughter of German heritage with a gift for language. Alma’s family taught her to dislike immigrants, and Italians are at the top of their list. But Alma sees Francesca’s struggles, and, though the challenges are somewhat different, they are also similar in that, because they are women, they have been controlled by the physical and emotional abuse of men—men who wield their authority to essentially enslave women.
I’ve read stories about the immigrant experience both at the turn of the century and much more recently, so I was familiar with some of the struggles and the abuse that people without money or the ability to speak English fluently can be subjected to, but I never stopped to think of any abuses that occurred on Ellis Island such as screwing immigrants over financially, or, for women, being subjected to much worse abuse.
I liked the characters, except, of course, the mean men, and the story is compelling.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this historical novel, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 8, 2022.
Not my usual genre, but a very easy and quick read. And a nice change of pace to have a few central developed female characters…. And completely undeveloped male characters floating around them.
This book was really good. I usually like a dual MC POV historical book so we can see different viewpoints of the same situation.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
Yes
4.5 stars rounded to 5
This had me hooked early and it did not let me go.
Really eye opening read about immigration and Ellis Island. A place of hope for so many but the truth is quite sad.
.
Webb focuses on the journey of 2 women. One whose family immigrated previously and one who just made the harrowing trip. Alma works at Ellis Island and has preconceived notions about the immigrants but meeting Francesca slowly changes those. Francesca is hoping for a new life in America but the reality is not as dreamy as she imagined.
.
These two women are joined by Alma's German family, an upper class family where Francesca works, anarchy, ruthlessness, and love.
.
Highly recommend for those who love histfic. It was mind opening for me about Ellis Island, this was the first book I have read about it and I will absolutely be seeking out more.
This had me hooked early and it did not let me go.
Really eye opening read about immigration and Ellis Island. A place of hope for so many but the truth is quite sad.
.
Webb focuses on the journey of 2 women. One whose family immigrated previously and one who just made the harrowing trip. Alma works at Ellis Island and has preconceived notions about the immigrants but meeting Francesca slowly changes those. Francesca is hoping for a new life in America but the reality is not as dreamy as she imagined.
.
These two women are joined by Alma's German family, an upper class family where Francesca works, anarchy, ruthlessness, and love.
.
Highly recommend for those who love histfic. It was mind opening for me about Ellis Island, this was the first book I have read about it and I will absolutely be seeking out more.
Heather Webb wrote an amazing historical fiction book that brings the reader right into the 1900's.
Ellis Island and New York came alive for me as i read.i felt The insightful historical details delving into the Ellis Island immigration process. Which sadly included abuse these immigrants had to deal within order to live The American Dream
THE NEXT SHIP HOME is an excellent inside look at Ellis Island, and with these wonderful characters makes it a read historical fiction fans won't want to miss.
Ellis Island and New York came alive for me as i read.i felt The insightful historical details delving into the Ellis Island immigration process. Which sadly included abuse these immigrants had to deal within order to live The American Dream
THE NEXT SHIP HOME is an excellent inside look at Ellis Island, and with these wonderful characters makes it a read historical fiction fans won't want to miss.
Set in 1902, mostly on Ellis Island in America, The Next Ship Home is a beautiful and haunting story about friendships, family, despair, hope, courage cruelty and kindness. Two young sisters from Sicily flee a frightfully grim future and in desperation leave everything and board a ship in America. On board class division is very evident with most of the upper class folks turning up their noses at immigrants who shared their quarters with rats and very little in the way of rations. Thankfully there are some kind individuals who see all human beings as people regardless of class or culture and treat them as equals. Such a great lesson for today.
Italian immigrant Francesca is sent to Ellis Island which has a bad reputation even overseas. But it is her only chance. She meets German Alma who is a new employee who commutes to Ellis Island from NYC each day. Through tragic circumstances they become dear friends. Alma faces horrors at home as well so though Ellis Island is horrendous, it is an escape for her. But of course where there are people there is trouble and many turn a blind eye to atrocities committed by "their own".
The most interesting aspect for me was the immigration process which was confusing, chaotic and heartbreaking. I cannot fathom the fear. Not only were they chastised for being immigrants but they could not understand English which further alienated them. But that is only a part of it.
If you wish to learn more about immigration and Ellis Island, do not miss this! Read the author's inspiration for her book (based on a true story) and her research into such a fascinating topic. Historical Fiction readers seeking a unique perspective, this is what you are looking for. Well worth your time.
My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring and moving book.
Italian immigrant Francesca is sent to Ellis Island which has a bad reputation even overseas. But it is her only chance. She meets German Alma who is a new employee who commutes to Ellis Island from NYC each day. Through tragic circumstances they become dear friends. Alma faces horrors at home as well so though Ellis Island is horrendous, it is an escape for her. But of course where there are people there is trouble and many turn a blind eye to atrocities committed by "their own".
The most interesting aspect for me was the immigration process which was confusing, chaotic and heartbreaking. I cannot fathom the fear. Not only were they chastised for being immigrants but they could not understand English which further alienated them. But that is only a part of it.
If you wish to learn more about immigration and Ellis Island, do not miss this! Read the author's inspiration for her book (based on a true story) and her research into such a fascinating topic. Historical Fiction readers seeking a unique perspective, this is what you are looking for. Well worth your time.
My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring and moving book.