Review 'Stitching a Life: An Immigration Story'

Synopsis

It's 1900, and sixteen-year-old Helen comes alone in steerage across the Atlantic from a small village in Lithuania, fleeing terrible anti-Semitism and persecution. She arrives at Ellis Island, and finds a place to live in the colorful Lower East Side of New York. She quickly finds a job in the thriving garment industry and, like millions of others who are coming to America during this time, devotes herself to bringing the rest of her family to join her in the New World, refusing to rest until her family is safe in New York. A few at a time, Helen's family members arrive. Each goes to work with the same fervor she has and contributes everything to bringing over their remaining beloved family members in a chain of migration. Helen meanwhile, makes friends and--once the whole family is safe in New York--falls in love with a man who introduces her to a different New York--a New York of wonder, beauty, and possibility.

Review

Stitching a Life: An Immigration Story is a compelling story, adapted from the diary of Ms. Fein’s grandmother. It is a compelling story about immigration and one everyone should read.

Helen, born Hinde, comes to America in 1900, following her father from their small village in Lithuania, in the hopes of saving enough money to get the rest of their family out and away from the terrible anti-Semitism and persecution.

This novel is critical because many forget that we are all descendants of immigrants. Unless one is a Native American, everyone is an immigrant. Immigration is the foundation of America; it was built by immigrants who worked long and hard to make a life for themselves. This novel also highlights the reason for immigration.

Helen and her family are Jewish, and in Lithuania, they face great persecution for their beliefs. Not only that but the Russian army conscripts any young Jewish boy age 12 or over where they face terrible treatment. Helen’s brother faces that fate unless they escape.

Stitching a Life: An Immigration Story was a compelling read because it reminds readers why people come to America, why they risk everything to come to this country. They want the freedom to be who they are; want the freedom to practice their beliefs; they want the freedom to live their lives without fear.

Helen and her family also face their challenges during there journey. They come face to face with the challenges that accompany going to a new land. However, they find a home in America, they make a life for themselves and it is incredible to see this story unfold.

Final Thoughts

Fein uses her imagination and her grandmother’s words to educate readers while also making her grandmother relatable to the reader. She gives her grandmother a strong personality, a compassionate and thoughtful narrative to break the world of fiction with non-fiction. It moves at an incredible pace and leaves the reader with hope for the future.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.