Golden Country

by: Jennifer Gilmore

Published by: Harcourt Books

Reviewed by Leslie Granier

Golden Country follows the lives of Jewish immigrants who came to the United States because they believed the streets of America were lined with gold. Among these immigrants were a door-to-door salesman, gangsters, and show business personalities. They mistakenly thought all people who lived in America were wealthy–and did not realize the hardships they would have to endure in order to achieve success.

The timeframe depicted in this book ranges from the 1920s to the 1960s, which include notable events such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the Holocaust.

Gilmore created likable characters whose flaws and dysfunctions were demonstrated through humor. She also showed how working hard and sticking to one’s principles instead of taking the easy road will often lead to great success. My favorite chapter is the one in which they celebrated Thanksgiving. I found the events humorous, ironic, and fitting with the overall tone of the book.

Each chapter focuses on one or two of the main characters so it seems as if the story is skipping around instead of being continuous. Doing this made it difficult for me to remember how some of the characters and their stories are related to each other. However, there is a pedigree chart at the front of the book that is helpful in sorting out the relationships. I would have liked to have seen some of the characters, especially Gloria and Dulcy, be developed more fully. They are mainly mentioned in passing and their importance to their families’ stories is not demonstrated.

This book will not only provide entertainment but will also teach some valuable life lessons. Golden Country should serve as a source of inspiration, not only to immigrants but to anyone who is seeking a better life. It demonstrates that hard work, perseverance, and believing in oneself can lead to great rewards. It also effectively shows the importance of building strong relationships with family and friends who can provide support and love through both good times and bad.

Armchair Interviews says: Recommended for readers who like history and stories of people surviving their struggles.

Author’s Web site: http://www.JenniferGilmore.net