Behold the Dreamers: An Oprah’s Book Club Pick – Review
“Behold the Dreamers (Oprah’s Book Club)” is an extraordinary novel that explores the highs and lows of the American Dream. Written with extraordinary insight and empathy, it is a heartbreaking story of an immigrant family’s struggle to find their footing in a new country. The narrative follows Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant, and his wife Neni as they arrive in New York City with dreams of a better future for themselves and their son. With raw emotion and vivid details, Imbolo Mbue paints a powerful portrait of the immigrant experience in America today.
The novel is filled with moments of joy, love, and hope, but also ones of sorrow and despair. Mbue skilfully shows how the economic downturn affects her characters’ lives, as well as how different people navigate systems of power and privilege. She creates a nuanced picture of race and class in America that highlights both the beauty and injustice of our society. Behold the Dreamers (Oprah’s Book Club) is a must-read for anyone looking to gain insight into what it means to be an immigrant in America today.
In terms of writing style, Mbue has crafted an incredibly engaging read that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Her use of language is lyrical yet direct; her characters are complex yet relatable; her themes are timely and relevant. This book will make you laugh, cry, reflect deeply on life’s choices, and consider what it truly means to pursue “the American dream”. It is no wonder why this book was chosen by Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club!