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A review by blessing_aj
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
5.0
“I don’t like how people say to a woman, oh you want so many things, why do you want so many things? When I was young my father said to me, one day you’re going to learn that you’re a woman and you should not want too many things” - Neni
After two long years apart, Jende Jonga has succeeded in bringing his wife Neni from Cameroon to join him in New York, America - the land of opportunity. Jende lands a dream job as Chaffee to a Lehman Brothers executive. Neni begins to further her education, still overwhelmed by the beautiful opportunities she never really believed she would experience.But when the Lehman Brothers collapses, it triggers the Great Recession, Jende loses his job and the Jongas battle to come to terms with reality.
How far will they go in pursuit of their dreams. And what will they sacrifice along the way?
This fictitious exposé takes us through the highs and lows of life as immigrants in America. At the beginning when we are ushered into the warmth and optimism of the Jongas, one can’t help but feel excited for this new phase of their lives where the future shines brighter than ever and hopes that all their dreams will come to pass. But when their goals become unattainable, you also feel the disappointment, pain and brokeness and you begin to feel a lot of compassion for them.
Imbolo’s debut is a riveting read. It’s also very insightful. She possesses a wonderful sense of humor which was well expressed through the characters. I loved Neni’s character so much. I also love how the plot came to a full circle. Without any iota of doubt, Jende is a defeatist but he is also a realist. His decision to return to Cameroon sends a powerful message to the reader that if suffering must be endured, it is better to suffer in your homeland than to suffer in a foreign country.
I had a wonderful experience reading this book.
If you have read this book, I’ld love to know what you think about the way it ended.
After two long years apart, Jende Jonga has succeeded in bringing his wife Neni from Cameroon to join him in New York, America - the land of opportunity. Jende lands a dream job as Chaffee to a Lehman Brothers executive. Neni begins to further her education, still overwhelmed by the beautiful opportunities she never really believed she would experience.But when the Lehman Brothers collapses, it triggers the Great Recession, Jende loses his job and the Jongas battle to come to terms with reality.
How far will they go in pursuit of their dreams. And what will they sacrifice along the way?
This fictitious exposé takes us through the highs and lows of life as immigrants in America. At the beginning when we are ushered into the warmth and optimism of the Jongas, one can’t help but feel excited for this new phase of their lives where the future shines brighter than ever and hopes that all their dreams will come to pass. But when their goals become unattainable, you also feel the disappointment, pain and brokeness and you begin to feel a lot of compassion for them.
Imbolo’s debut is a riveting read. It’s also very insightful. She possesses a wonderful sense of humor which was well expressed through the characters. I loved Neni’s character so much. I also love how the plot came to a full circle. Without any iota of doubt, Jende is a defeatist but he is also a realist. His decision to return to Cameroon sends a powerful message to the reader that if suffering must be endured, it is better to suffer in your homeland than to suffer in a foreign country.
I had a wonderful experience reading this book.
If you have read this book, I’ld love to know what you think about the way it ended.