A review by emilyrosebooks
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

What a glorious rendition of the realities of "The American Dream". Follow Jende through his 5 years as an immigrant from Cameroon to NYC where he brings his wife and child and tries to make it in America. What could be a one sided story of an immigrant is really a deep inspection of the highs and lows, the hope that America offers, and also the other side of the American dream, the dangers of capitalistic excess. The story is from the point of view of Jende and his wife, Neni, but you also get a portrait of the Edwards' family, and their experience actually living this American dream. I cannot say enough how touched I was throughout this book, and how utterly human each character really was. I highly recommend the audiobook version as well as the narrator brings to life the African culture and the linguistic character of these immigrants that really adds a great deal.