Love, immigration and divided loyalties
353647
Well written, a story about immigrants  whose  lives are very relevant to our times.  I gave it 4 stars because I thought  events leading up to the end were overly dramatic
1475499
When individuals come from different cultures there are multiple accommodations to blend their disparate traditions. This novel explores the ways in which this enriches the relationships and individuals. The characterizations are detailed and well done. I highly recommend this novel.
1001306
The Reverend Clare Fergusson and Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne have endured much during their star-crossed relationship.  In spite of the fourteen-year gap in their ages, Clare and Russ love one another deeply.  They have been kept apart by a series of tragic events that have left them emotionally scarred.  In Julia Spencer-Fleming's "I Shall Not Want," Clare and Russ become involved in the plight of Mexican migrant workers who are being targeted for death.  Three victims have been shot in the back of the head execution-style.  Why would a serial killer attack these particular individuals?  Could the culprits be the Christie brothers, a local bunch of violent thugs, or were the murders committed by outsiders with an agenda of their own?  Russ and his colleagues have their hands full learning the truth in a case with many hidden dimensions and no witnesses who are willing to cooperate with the authorities.  Caught in the crossfire are a migrant worker named Amado Esfuentes and an abused young woman, Isobel Christie, who reaches out to him in desperation.

The book's setting is the small Adirondack town of Millers Kill, a rural enclave in upstate New York with a thriving grapevine and a network of caring and compassionate citizens.  Thirty-six year old Clare Fergusson is a rector in St. Alban's Episcopal Church; her unconventional behavior and penchant for getting into hot water have garnered her bishop's displeasure on more than one occasion.  Clare is also a Black Hawk helicopter pilot and an active member of the National Guard, 142nd Aviation Battalion, combat support--an uncommon sideline for a woman of the cloth.  Although she is considered a maverick by some, Clare's congregants love her because she is deeply committed to performing good works and does her best to bring her parishioners closer to the Almighty.  She is also self-effacing, generous, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor.  "I Shall Not Want" features two particularly appealing characters:  Hadley Knox is a beautiful single mother who joins the Millers Kill police force and catches the eye of her strait-laced fellow officer, Kevin Flynn. Although Hadley has no desire to embark on a workplace romance, Kevin, who is eight years younger than Hadley, is determined to win her over.

Spencer-Fleming poignantly explores the unfortunate plight of migrant workers in America, many of whom live in appalling conditions, without proper health care or social services.  A nun named Sister Lucia asks Clare for support in assisting this oppressed population.  Unfortunately, the book's strengths are offset by its heavy-handed dialogue and overheated plot.  As the story progresses, it begins to resemble a daytime soap opera, with steamy sex scenes, violent confrontations, and a cliffhanger conclusion.  Although diehard fans of Spencer-Fleming will most likely find "I Shall Not Want" entertaining enough, some discriminating readers may be irritated by the author's reliance on formulaic devices to generate and hold her audience's attention.
1439998
This is a fascinating novel that explores both the personal journey of a young man into adulthood, while providing an insightful view into Malaysia and its people.  The main character lives in a culture that is an often uneasy blend of ethnicities, sometimes loving (as in his delightful band of city comrades)and sometimes in conflict (as with the tumultuous politics he wanders into).  Another uneasy blend is reflected in the marriage of the main character's own parents: a mother who struggles with an artistic spirituality and a father who enjoys fabulous material success but is often perplexed and clueless about his own wife. The main character must learn and come to accept the often painful conflicts and tragedies in his upbringing before moving on to make a life of his own.  This novel is crisply written and sensitive without sentimentality.  I highly reccmmend it.
3061850
This riveting story of forbidden romance takes the reader back to the birth of blues and rock 'n roll in Chicago. Leeba and Red are an unlikely love, but their attraction to one another is compelling, bold, and heartfelt. They risk estrangement from family, and threats of violence in an era in American history that frowned on mixed-race couples, and must find strength in one another as they join Dr. Martin Luther King on the journey to end intolerance. A mix of romance and the amazing true story of how early rock and roll became established in this country, this heart-lifting story of music, love, and the struggles of both new immigrants and blacks will remind readers how far this country has come in terms of civil rights, women's rights, and the freedom to marry whom we choose.
1099266
The book opens in peaceful Afghanistan.  The country is pictured as beautiful with people who love their country.  But then the Taliban invade and  take over.  Fereiba and her 3 children flee the country.  Much of the story is about the hardships of their travels from Afghanistan to England. Saleem  the oldest child becomes separated from his mom and his siblings.  Saleem is a teenager, traveling alone, with little money and no papers.  He therefore must slip from one country into another unseen and unlawfully. He is brave and determined to rejoin his family in England.  The reader is Saleem's traveling companion for many many months.  We watch him in danger and in calm and we are witness to his maturity.  Sashimi does a fine job of showing the romantic love of Fereiba and her husband  Mahmood.  Then as the story moves forward the love, worry and bravery  of a young mother is evident as they travel the dangerous route to freedom.  The book is filled with suspense, it is well done and it is also enjoyable. There are many people in the story.  As  the family moves from country to country some of the people are compassionate and helpful, while others mean them harm. Not all of the characters are strongly portrayed, but many have just brief appearnces.  The first part  of the book is about Fereiba's unhappy childhood with her stepmother, it is followed by her good marriage and then the escape from Afghanistan.  There are weak parts in the plot and some awkward paragraphs.  The story is rich with refugee stories, strange sights and different customs.  Salem grows from a teenager into a strong young man.  It all boils down to the fact that this is a good book.
4141896
Loved this book. It shows the development of established relationships in two generations. The Courtland triad of Nick, Eric and Ally, who continue to evolve with the ups and downs of health problems and political ambitions and on the other side, the younger couple Seth with his fantasies of being an artist in the city and Bilal, an Iranian with a vision of a more peaceful and bucolic living. The different upbringings and family dynamics play a part in the effort these young men have to make to create their own family rules and reach a loving balance. Add to this the threat coming from Bilal's homeland, that forces them to face serious danger, which will also be important in their growth as individuals and as a couple that is tender and sexy!
A pleasure to read, seamless use of the changing POVs, it has romance, sexiness and intrigue, what's not to love?!
3868715
Isabel has once again produced an enchanting novel of substance that is shaped by romance, intrigue and  enlightening insight into issues surrounding immigration. A must read novel given the present tensions surrounding building the"Wall."
1249982
This is an intriguing study of assimilation, that uses Peony, a bond maid for a Jewish family in China, as the centerpeice for the cultural conflict . The family of Ezra has been in China for many generations, if not centuries, and not facing discrimination, many Jewish families had slowly been enfolded into the Chinese mainstream.  Pearl Buck's fictional recreation of the historical absorption of the last of the faithful is well crafted, with appealing characters that touch our hearts and minds.  All of us, somewhere in our pasts, were assimilated into a culture different from our forebears. Those of us with European backgrounds embraced, in various forms, Monotheistic religions, as they became the prominent culture.  As someone who was purchased as a child, Peony is beneath cultural distinctions, which makes her the perfect foil to discuss the abandonment of one culture for a more functional one.  She is beloved by all, for her kindness, beauty and, most importantly, her integrity. Buck's vivid recreation of this changing world weaves a unique love story that I found captivating, as a tale, yes, but also with much to consider, mentally, morally and emotionally.
779761
A couple of years ago, while traveling between Guadalajara and San Francisco on a flight, I sat next to a mother who carried an adorable, smiling baby on her lap. She was such a nice, sweet person- one of those delightful, sunny types of people with an easy smile. But then I asked her why she had been in Mexico, and the beautiful smile disappeared. Her shoulders hunched over, sadness and shame clouding her face, and she told me.

Her husband, a Mexican citizen, had been deported not long after that baby, their fourth child, had been born, leaving her with the children, a mortgage, and a mountain of stress that just seemed to get higher and higher everyday. I learned that this woman, an American citizen and registered nurse, traveled to a small pueblo outside of Guadalajara every few months so that he could see the baby (the rest of the children stayed behind, too expensive to bring along), and that he hadn't seen the rest of the kids in months. According to her, there was no hope that her husband would ever become a US citizen, and that the hope for their future as a family in the United States was pretty nonexistent. She said that she would soon have to make a choice- to give up on the relationship with the father of her children and move on with their lives- or leave the United States to join him in his small village in Mexico. Ignorantly, I suggested option after option, to which she would shake her head and explain why it wouldn't work. I remember thinking to myself, "That's ridiculous. All they need is a good attorney!"

But alas, things are never that simple, especially when it comes to Immigration laws in the US, and unfortunately, her situation is anything but singular. I had no idea, until reading Amor and Exile, just how many families are being ripped apart and forced to make heart-wrenching, difficult decisions because they fall in love with "the wrong person".

Amor and Exile is a timely, important book that offers a glimpse into the lives of several couples affected by immigration laws. The book gives us a rare, emotional view to a political debate that, while wildly controversial, has strangely turned hackneyed and cold in recent years- perhaps due to how often we hear about it. The more desensitized we become to this debate, the less likely we are to consider the people it affects. Amor and Exile reminds us just how deeply American families, the building blocks of our society, are being toppled over by outdated and unfair immigration laws- and forced into exile. Nathaniel Hoffman does an amazing job of explaining international immigration laws so thoroughly, and co-author Nicole Salgado, a biologist by profession, delivers such a powerful and beautifully written narrative that leaves me hoping she'll write another book someday, about immigration (the conclusion to her story, perhaps?) or anything at all.
4746282
Esquivel has produced a well-written novel that handles family traditions that so unwillingly bind us.  It pursues romantic fantasy, desire, and rebellion. Tita, the main character, and Pedro kindle a passion for each other like no other, but are forced to unite in secrecy because Mama Elena forbids Tita to marry until after her death. Esquivel's style is poetic at times, intertwining life and passion.  "Like Water for Chocolate" uniquely stands.
206180
This book describes the personal experiences of a range of chosen refugees immigrating to, and fighting for the US in WWI. Brief and selected family histories, and the US immigrant experience during the latter half of the 19th Century and during the early part of the 20th century are explored. In particular, the motivations of new immigrants volunteering to fight for the US are thoroughly examined.

The book exhibits a tendency to be two things in one. Both a book about the immigrants, as as well as a book about fighting in WWI. The first half, with its descriptions of immigrant life in the old country, as well as in the New World is quite enthralling. A great deal of research was performed by the author while tracing the roots of very immigrant families, the result is quite engrossing. The latter half of the book is rather perplexing in that it jumps suddenly to the WWI battlefield and descriptions (in minute detail) of various battles and battlegrounds. The change is a bit jarring one feels that this most interesting tale would have been better served by having been represented in 2 books, instead of one.

Still, the book is a fascinating view into the minds and motivations of "typical" immigrants to the US at the time. The book is well worth the read and will certainly contribute to the history of immigration to the US as a whole. Recommended reading.
2779359
The Sinclairs and Campbells have been at odds since the day that Fiona's mother was brutally murdered by the Campbell's clan chief. Her anger and hate for every Campbell is as fierce as that of her siblings. And only compared to her love and need to protect her clan from their enemies. Above all, her need to protect her baby sister. At a time of peace when both clans were friends, she had been betrothed to Miles Campbell, the rival clan's eldest son. And now, King James of Scotland has decided to enforce their marriage in an attempt to bring a truce to the feud. That is the last thing she wants. For to lay with a Campbell will surely be her end. But if she refuses, her sister will be forced to take her place in this farce and Fiona will not have that. Miles was in love with a French mademoiselle. Still as a loyal subject of the King he agrees to marry his enemy. And she is beautiful. A sight to be seen. She is also spiteful and would rather die than kiss him. Nevertheless, he carries on with his obligations and consummates their marriage as she submits to his caresses in their sleeping chamber. That is, until the fog of passion leaves her and she turns on him again. At odds with each other, Fiona and Miles fight with all their might and love with equal passion as secrets long kept come to light. Royal intrigue, passionate encounters, sibling rivalry and a love bound to happen take readers through a journey of discovery through King James Stuart's Scotland.
4331525
Viewed through the eyes of a family coming to America with high hopes, the author engages readers in a thoughtful analysis of how the reality of life compares to the expectations of immigrants. Characters and relationships are fully drawn. A great read!
2878181
This is a beautiful love story, but not your average love story. Tami, a young Iranian woman, comes to America to temporarily live with her sister and brother-in-law in Arizona. Tami's parents once lived in America but returned to Iran when the Ayatollah gained power. Their hopes were for a more free Iran. These hopes were quickly dashed when the Ayatollah instituted oppressive religious views, including the banning of creative expression.

So Tami arrives in America (she left when she was only 2). Her goal is to secure an Iranian husband here and obtain permanent residency/citizenship.  Her sister, Maryam, tries to help Tami maintain the proper Iranian culture and standards while living in a free society. She finds a prospective husband, Haroum. Maryam's husband, Ardishir, although Iranian, is more moderate and embraces a more liberal philosophy on traditional Iranian mores when it comes to who Tami should marry. Haroun turns out to be a nutcase. Tami is running out of time. In the interim, she meets Ike, an American, and falls in love (but she won't admit it or permit it). Tami, with the help of friends, finds another husband, but he has his own issues.  I won't delve into the ending as I think it spoils the story.

If I had the time, I would have read this book in 1 sitting. Instead I read it in 4 days. I really couldn't put it down. I became so personally involved with the characters that I was secretly chiding Tami for some of her decisions, feeling her frustrations, and her elations.

The cons to this story are that it really didn't make sense that Tami, originally born in the US, would have to get a visa to live here (UNLESS, she had given up her citizenship when she moved to Iran).

This is a beautiful and timeless book. I would highly recommend to it to everyone, especially women.  It will leave you with a feeling of hope and happiness at the conclusion. I will look for Laura's future books to enjoy!
705664
Colin(H) is an impoverished Earl who had to rent the country manor in order to meet financial responsibilities. He's trying to meet and marry a woman with a large dowry. Instead of solving issues, he manages to add three more mouths to his list of responsibilities on his way back to the country from London. Ava(h) is governess at a fellow peers house. They meet when Colin gains housing at this peers house. Things are much less than perfect for her and an assistant cook. Colin leaves with both governess and cook and his man to continue his journey back to his house.  This is the conflict between marrying for love or for money. In addition, it is about family love and loyalty, as well as respect for all other regardless of physical appearance, ethnicity, and economic status in life. Excellent author, great ability to hold reader's attention, super pacing.
1884242
I found it quite difficult to rate this book, as my opinion of it changed continuously throughout the course of reading it. Told from the viewpoint of five different characters, and switching back and forth in time from 1945 to 1969, this novel explores the intricacies of human relationships and their consequences.

The story opens with a narrative told in the third person from the viewpoint of Nick, a strong independent young woman who is looking forward to her husband Hughes returning to her from active duty in Europe during WW2. Her cousin Helena's husband has been killed in the war, and Nick is counting her lucky stars that she will soon be reunited with Hughes, whilst her cousin is rushing into marriage with another man who seems to be a poor match. The book then skips forward in time, and next we hear from Nick she is living with Hughes in Florida, and the relationship is far from happy. The man who has returned to her is not the same man who she had fallen in love with and married.  To save her marriage, Nick must make choices and compromises, and perhaps sacrifice her own dreams and ambitions.

I really liked the character of Nick, and could strongly identify with her feelings of disillusion as her marriage does not turn out to be the great adventure she had hoped for, but rather a gilded cage where her wings are constantly being clipped. Trapped in the role of a housewife during the 1940's and 50's, Nick visibly wilts and loses some of her feisty spirit, but always manages to keep a little spark of defiance and personality - she will never be the typical housewife of the time, and I admired her for it. It was therefore with some disappointment to find the story skip forward twelve years: Nick and Hughes now have an adolescent daughter, Daisy, and she is taking over the narrative.

As the story continues, and switches its viewpoint between Daisy, Helena, Hughes and Helena's son Ed, family secrets are exposed, and the dynamics of human relationships revealed. This is not a happy family, and I felt that although they share the same house, they all very much live in isolation of one another. Klaussmann's very acute and insightful portrayal of human nature and the dark currents holding people together is what made me keep turning the pages as the family slowly unravels.

My biggest disappointment was that after the first chapter, where Nick is the main character, I never quite got close enough to any of the other characters to really understand them. Whilst the switching back and forth in time and between characters made the story move along, it also left a lot of questions unanswered. At times I really struggled to understand the motivation behind certain decisions or actions, when there seemed so many other choices and opportunities available to them. For example, the family seems to be quite well off financially, yet they are content to drift through their unhappy life without ever really DOING anything. And whilst the murder mystery thrown in around the middle of the book spices things up for a while, this soon fizzles out and is never really satisfactorily solved. I had also hoped to get a bit more of a feel for the novel's setting - the "Tiger House" sounded very intriguing, but again stayed a remote concept rather than a vivid image in my mind.

Despite its problems, the novel held my interest as I was trying to understand the characters and watched with some fascination as they drifted through their unhappy lives like the stoned musicians at their party (it was the sixties, after all, so who knows). As I closed the book I was none the wiser, but instantly grateful for my relatively "normal" family and my life. As a debut novel, the author has done a good job in exploring the complexities of the human psyche and has produced a very unusual story about family relationships and their dark undercurrents.