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A review by bookedupandbusy
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
5.0
I LOVED this book, I could not fault it. The family dynamics are engrossing and very well written. What I mostly enjoyed was reading from the perspective of two married couples from completely different backgrounds and class. The main characters, Jende and Neni are loveable, you cannot help but root for them throughout the story as they overcome obstacles and challenges to get their papers to stay in America. Then, on the flip side, we have Clarke and Cindy, an upper class wealthy family, who have their own personal challenges.
The author does an amazing job of illustrating the immigrant experience of moving from Africa to America. Jende searching for the American dream was particularly sad, especially when he comes to realise that the dream may not exist. He is written as a very meek, timid and naive character but the struggles and pressures he entails to get his papers, lead him to make terrible decisions towards the end of the book, even testing his loyalty.
The book is more character driven than plot driven but the personalities and characteristics are well presented that you won’t look for a plot whilst reading.
The author does an amazing job of illustrating the immigrant experience of moving from Africa to America. Jende searching for the American dream was particularly sad, especially when he comes to realise that the dream may not exist. He is written as a very meek, timid and naive character but the struggles and pressures he entails to get his papers, lead him to make terrible decisions towards the end of the book, even testing his loyalty.
The book is more character driven than plot driven but the personalities and characteristics are well presented that you won’t look for a plot whilst reading.