Behold the Dreamers

by Imbolo Mbue
Behold the Dreamers cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 7377
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781410494412
  • Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

'Behold the Dreamers' by Imbolo Mbue is a powerful debut novel that delves into the complexities of immigration and the pursuit of the American Dream. The story follows Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant, and his family as they navigate the challenges of life in New York, balancing their cultural heritage with the pressures of a new society. /n/n The novel is praised for its authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience, offering a poignant and realistic look at the struggles and triumphs of those seeking a better life. It has been recognized as a Thorndike Press large print reviewers' choice, highlighting its significance and appeal to a wide range of readers.

Reviews
Amanda's Book Corner · 2021-02-23
thoughtful 4.25

It's an important story that offers a look at two completely different families. The contrast between poor immigrants and wealthy citizens is stark and thought-provoking.

The reviewer finds the novel to be an important story that sheds light on the stark contrast between different socio-economic groups. The exploration of the lives of poor immigrants and wealthy citizens is both compelling and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the way the story highlights the struggles and dreams of the characters. The novel is seen as a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the challenges faced by those seeking a better life.

Quick quotes

    It's an important story that offers a look at two completely different families: poor immigrants vs. wealthy citizens.

    The contrast between poor immigrants and wealthy citizens is stark and thought-provoking.

    A powerful commentary on the American Dream and the challenges faced by those seeking a better life.

African Book Addict · 2017-09-11
excellent 4.50

The novel is well-plotted with well-rounded characters. The author's debut is a well-deserved success.

The reviewer praises the novel for its well-crafted plot and well-rounded characters, which make the story engaging and believable. The author's debut is seen as a significant achievement, with the reviewer noting that it is well-deserved. The novel's exploration of the immigrant experience is both poignant and relatable, making it a standout in contemporary literature. The reviewer finds the story to be both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The novel is well plotted and has well-rounded characters.

    Imbolo Mbue burst onto the literary scene with this novel and it is a well-deserved success.

    A significant achievement in contemporary literature.

The Guardian · 2017-08-04
insightful 4.00

The prose is straightforward, but the characters are complex with contradictory motivations. The story provides a deep look into the immigrant experience.

The reviewer appreciates the simplicity of the prose, which allows the complex characters to shine. These characters, with their contradictory motivations, drive the narrative and provide a deep, nuanced look into the immigrant experience. The story is compelling and offers a unique perspective on the struggles and dreams of those seeking a better life in a new country. The reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful exploration of the American Dream and the challenges faced by immigrants.

Quick quotes

    Mbue's prose is mostly straightforward and unadorned but her characters are complex, with contradictory motivations, which provide the story with a rich depth.

    The novel offers a deep, nuanced look into the immigrant experience.

    A powerful exploration of the American Dream and the challenges faced by immigrants.

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