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plainviewfarmer's review
5.0
A friend recommended this highly, and I could see why from the very start. Both narratives are incredibly compelling and heartbreaking. The historical information the author shares in between the women's stories gives important context. I learned so much. I loved the writer's style and the way she respected the women's stories and was so incredibly thoughtful in the way she presented them.
lgmaxwell722's review
4.0
I wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but am glad that it was selected for an up-coming book club. Goudeau explores the history of refuge in America while focusing on the story of two women who have navigated this complex process. At times I had to remind myself that this was a work of non-fiction- the struggles of both women are profound. I liked how the story wove together personal narrative with policy as it made the story accessible as I could connect with Mu Naw and Hasna.
notizhefte's review against another edition
4.0
Interessante Darstellung der us-amerikanischen Flüchtlingspolitik am Beispiel zweier Frauen und ihrer Familien aus Myanmar und Syrien, die nach Austin, Texas, kommen.
Die Autorin gibt die Erzählungen der beiden Frauen wieder, schildert ihre Ängste und Hoffnungen vor der Flucht sowie die ersten Schritte, die sie in der fremden Umgebung unternehmen.
Die Autorin gibt die Erzählungen der beiden Frauen wieder, schildert ihre Ängste und Hoffnungen vor der Flucht sowie die ersten Schritte, die sie in der fremden Umgebung unternehmen.
annalisenak97's review
5.0
An incredible, compelling, and informative book. Goudeau follows the story of two refugee women from different countries, interspersed with information about US refugee and resettlement policies. The things that refugees have gone through are grievous and insane. But what is more insane is the recent public reaction against refugees in the US. Everyone should read this book to be educated and increase their empathy tenfold.
slim_oysterhiatus's review
5.0
Fascinating stories of the progression of refugees resettling in the US. I loved the focus on two specific women, from very different backgrounds, that really demonstrated the ups and downs-- the homesickness, the gratitude, the anger, the confusion-- at a deeply personal level. The chapters on the history of immigration and refugees in the US interspersed throughout were digestible stages of history, much easier to keep track of that if they were presented in a large chunk. Being personally familiar with Austin, TX, the references to places and circumstances in the city (the unreliability of the busses, for example), made me acknowledge of how unaware I am of the backgrounds of the members of my community.
cheraford's review
5.0
Great book. Alternates the story of two refugee families with the history of the US' refugee policies, of which I knew nothing.
erinkilmer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
taraanne's review
5.0
This book is a beautiful tribute to refugees sharing the trauma that often leads to resettlement and the struggle of making a life in a new country. It shares the history of the United States acceptance of refugees and shows the devastating side effects of policy change to families hoping for reunification.