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A review by theresaalan41
The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island by Heather Webb
5.0
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.