(Fiction, 368 pp., 2023)
In the wake of revolutions and the calamities of World War I, two sisters escape the hopelessness of their 1920s Polish shtetl. Pearl reared her many siblings since their mother died a decade earlier, and has developed definite opinions about most things, including teenage Frieda’s romantic life-choices. Pearl’s sense of decorum is rivaled only by her talent with a needle and thread; Frieda’s only goal is reuniting with her fiance across the Atlantic. On the verge of boarding the ship, they hear the U.S. has restricted immigration. They decide Cuba is a close enough temporary destination, but get stuck in colorful and vibrant Havana while awaiting permission to enter the Goldene Medina. Their personal self-discoveries are at the heart of the journey, bringing to life the experiences of the author’s family.
- Discussion questions from the author
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Discussion guide from the author
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Review and interview by Avner Landes, The Times of Israel, May 28, 2023
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Review by Shauna McIntyre, Historical Novel Society, n.d.
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Review by Jesse Szalay, Jewish Book Council, December 27, 2023
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Reviews from Bookbrowse
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Review by Audrey Lawrence, Fresh Fiction, May 11, 2023
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Reviews by various writers, collected on author’s website
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Interview with author by G.P. Gottlieb, New Books Network, May 16, 2023
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Interview with author by Mogan Talty, Electric Literature, May 2, 2023
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Interview with author by Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, May 9, 2023
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Interview with author by Susan Chessler, The Detroit Jewish News, June 29, 2023
