A review by morsecode
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This book is primarily about a family of individuals from Cameroon, two of whom have overstayed their visas, trying to make a life in the United States in and around the 2008 financial crisis (inner lives and histories of the two parents plus how they navigate interpersonal relationships, work/school, the legal system,  and cultural differences).  Their challenges are juxtaposed with that of the family of the Lehman Brothers executive for whom both parents work at one time or another.  I thought it was excellent.

The main characters (the four parents) are shown in all their unvarnished glory, as is America both the lead up to and the immediate aftermath of the collapse.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Drug abuse

Moderate: Suicide