Behold the Dreamers (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.95 (717 Votes) |
| Asin | : | B01II9QAQC |
| Format Type | : | |
| Number of Pages | : | 184 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2018-01-06 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Clark demands punctuality, discretion, and loyalty - and Jende is eager to please. Clark's wife, Cindy, even offers Neni temporary work at the Edwardses' summer home in the Hamptons. In the fall of 2007, Jende can hardly believe his luck when he lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. When the financial world is rocked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Jongas are desperate to keep Jende's job - even as their marriage threatens to fall apart. With these opportunities, Jende and Neni can at last gain a foothold in America and imagine a brighter future. As all four lives are dramatically upended, Jende and Neni are forced to make an impossible choice.. However, the world of great power and privilege conceals troubling secrets, and soon Jende and Neni notice cracks in their employers' façades. A compulsively listenable debut novel about marriage, immigration, class, race, and the trapdoors in the American dream - the unforgettable story of a young Cameroonian couple making
Worth reading I was caught up in the story and always looked forward to finding out what would happen next. The characters were well developed and interesting. It gave what felt like a legitimate feel for what life would be like for an immigrant with an uncertain future.I found the contrast between the main characters' response to the idea of returning to Cameroon interesting--probably pretty typical.The writing itself lacked creativity and power.. Bookworm said One of the best books I've read in a while. This is one of the best books I've read in a while and I'll be recommending wholeheartedly to friends and family. Great insight on the lives of these characters, the struggles of this poor immigrant family and the struggles of this wealthy American family. Great reminder that regardless of our social status, we all face challenges.. "Heartfelt, but amateurish writing" according to sb-lynn. Brief summary, no spoilers.This story is told primarily from the point of view of an African couple from Cameroon who have come to New York just prior to the stock market crash in 2007. The couple is Jende and Neni Jonga. They were unable to marry in Cameroon because Neni's father didn't find Jende of high enough status to marry his daughter. Nene previously had a daughter with Jende who had died shortly after her birth but now also has a young son named Liomi who leaves with her for New York.Neni had a