4 out of 4 stars
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Jacov, Reuven, and their mother Ida leave Russia aboard the steamship Lithuania. They arrive to America, where Ida's two other sons, Nathan and Louis, are waiting for them. The immigration authorities give the brothers new anglicized names. Jacov becomes Jack and Reuven becomes Rubin. The Sidowitz family pursues the American dream. During the 1920s, the Sidowitz family starts a business and expands the family. During the 1930s, their business thrives thanks to contracts with the government. Problem is that the family receives alarming news from Yehuda, the oldest brother, who stayed in Russia. Jews are being persecuted, the Germans and Russians are grabbing land, and there are rumors of war. The United States enters World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Jack is drafted to serve in Europe as part of a special mission. However, he promises Mama Ida that he will try to find Yehuda in the middle of the war. Will Jack be able to keep his promise?
What I liked the most about Good-bye Russia, Hello America is that it is a beautiful and serious nod to immigration. Janet S. Kleinman, the author, notes that she wrote the book as a nod to immigration because her own family came to America between the two world wars. The theme of immigration is the main point of the book. The Sidowitz family is Jewish and leaves Russia seeking a better and safer life in America. With hard work and determination, they achieve a good life in America.
Kleinman also discusses the theme of Americanization, which is quite important and controversial among immigrants. The immigration authorities gave the main characters new anglicized names, which was a real practice at the time. When I read this part in the book, I felt a deep feeling of understanding and empathy. During the 1940s, my maternal grandfather and his three brothers changed their Spanish names to American names in order to prevent discrimination. My grandfather José Enrique became Henry.
The Sidowitz family did everything they could to belong in America, which I believe is a beautiful thing. They worked hard. They practiced English. They established a successful business. They served their new country during World War II. All of their actions show patriotism. I love that the book demonstrates that immigrants become American patriots. I also love that the book shows that they do it while preserving their own traditions. The Sidowitz family clearly became American, but they kept practicing their Jewish religious and cultural traditions.
As a historian, another thing I enjoyed about Good-bye Russia, Hello America is that it is obvious that the author did a lot of historical research. Kleinman successfully discusses several historical events throughout the story. Examples are immigration to America during the 1920s, the Great Depression, and World War II.
What I liked the least about the book is that sometimes it was difficult to understand who was talking in the dialogues. I had to read twice some parts in order to understand who was talking. I do not think, however, that this is a major problem. As for errors, I only found one, which I think was a printing error.
I rate Good-bye Russia, Hello America 4 out of 4 stars because I think that the author did a wonderful job discussing the themes of immigration and Americanization. She also did an excellent job doing historical research for this historical fiction novel. I would recommend this book to historical fiction aficionados and those interested in reading about immigration to America. Without a doubt, the story demonstrates what it is like for immigrants to pursue the American dream and become Americans while preserving their cultural identity.
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Good-bye Russia, Hello America
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