Behold the Dreamers in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 23, 2019 Ra rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: scribd

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it is quite an engaging story that kept me reading late into the night, on the other something about it was flat.
The author tried to take on so many topical issues African illegal immigrants trying to make a go of it in America, the disconnect between the poor and the privileged few, the questionable ethics of Wall Street, gay and civil rights, and the quest for happiness that eludes both rich and poor. One way of redemption, we could surmis I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it is quite an engaging story that kept me reading late into the night, on the other something about it was flat.
The author tried to take on so many topical issues African illegal immigrants trying to make a go of it in America, the disconnect between the poor and the privileged few, the questionable ethics of Wall Street, gay and civil rights, and the quest for happiness that eludes both rich and poor. One way of redemption, we could surmise from the story, is putting family first, accepting what cannot be changed and letting go of unattainable dreams.

The story is of Jende, a Cameroonian man who comes to America on a tourist visa, and tries to remain there as an asylum-seeker. He is joined there by his wife Neni and their son. Neni applies to college and has ambitious plans to become a pharmacist. Their life seems to be going swimmingly when Jende gets a job as a driver for Mr. Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. Then the stock market crashes and everything takes a dowturn for the family, to which another baby girl is added in the turmoil.

The author is of African origin herself, yet it disturbed me how stereotypical her characterization of Africans appeared. They are driven by wanting all the things they are deprived of. They are set in their own ways. Gender roles are set in stone despite outward pretense to the contrary. Their desire to live in America is purely materialistic and to achieve it they contemplate, and sometimes make morally abhorrent choices. They slave away in America for material wealth yet they fail to see the spiritual side of it. At some point Neni frequents a liberal Church downtown, but her relationship with the Church was purely self-serving and had no element of moral guidance, she only sought justifications and ways to connect and remain in America. I felt that there is an undertone of self-berating in the African characterization, even when it comes to the handful of successful Africans. For example there are glaring flaws in the character of the successful lawyer, Winston, who has expensive taste and goes out with white women he never intends to marry.

The white people in the story came out also one-dimensional, with the exception of Cindy Edwards, who has deep issues. But still, they are mostly pursuing the same illusion of happiness with their fancy decorated houses, designer clothes and expensive receptions.

One reviewer pointed out that the action in the story resembled that of a soap opera, and I could not agree more. Especially toward the end Jende and Neni were like puppets following the script to its conclusion. Their behavior choices also became increasingly strange, selfish, defensive, self-justifying and childish. I felt that at ultimately they came away with all the vices, but none of the virtues of America. All they thought about was how they would look different from those at home, and how much richer they will be. What did they learn from the experience on a moral level? Not much. The white folk where a bit luckier in their development. ...more

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Aug 19, 2018 Julie rated it really liked it

Shelves: to-read-own

So good! I was fascinated by this view into the lives of an immigrant family and those in their orbit in NYC during the Great Recession. The writing was beautiful and kept me thinking about the characters even in the middle of a stressful job transition. That is a sign of a great read! Read this book!

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Jul 27, 2018 Nikki Morse rated it really liked it

This is a wonderful, captivating book. The only thing keeping it from being a 5 is that it was a bit predictable, and I was disappointed in not hearing Neni’s voice at the end.

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