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Behold the Dreamers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Imbolo Mbue

Behold the Dreamers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Behold the Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue, follows two families in New York during the 2008 recession: the Jongas, Cameroonian immigrants struggling with visa issues and economic hardship, and the wealthy, troubled Edwardses, grappling with personal and financial crises. Jende Jonga becomes the chauffeur for Clark Edwards, intertwining the lives and challenges faced by both families. The novel contains depictions of substance abuse, domestic violence, and infidelity.

Emotional

Inspirational

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue has received acclaim for its vivid portrayal of immigrant life and the American Dream's complexities, characterized by strong storytelling and rich character development. However, some critics note it can be predictable and overly reliant on melodrama. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling, empathetic narrative on socio-economic issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Behold the Dreamers?

Readers who appreciate Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue tend to enjoy immersive immigrant stories, complex family dynamics, and themes of aspiration and hardship. Fans of books like Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri will find a similar resonance in Mbue's poignant narrative.

Character List

Jende Jonga

A hardworking and hopeful immigrant from Cameroon who takes on menial jobs to support his family and dreams of a better life in America.

A devoted mother and ambitious student with aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, balancing her duties between family life, work, and school.

A high-powered executive at Lehman Brothers who prioritizes work over family, facing personal and professional challenges as the financial crisis looms.

Clark’s wife, striving to maintain her social status while struggling with personal insecurities and addiction.

The son of Clark and Cindy, who questions his family’s materialistic lifestyle and seeks a different path in developing countries.

The young son of Cindy and Clark, who bonds with Neni and Jende but is caught in the turmoil of his family's issues.

A close friend of Neni's who provides advice and support, sharing insights based on her experiences as an African immigrant in America.

Jende’s successful cousin, a lawyer in New York with strong ties to both his family back home and his new life in America.

A Nigerian lawyer handling Jende's asylum case, characterized by his high fees and questionable strategies.

Jende and Neni’s son, whose future and opportunities are central to his parents’ decisions and aspirations in America.

A college administrator who challenges Neni's educational pursuits and aspirations, reflecting societal barriers faced by immigrants.

Clark’s administrative assistant at Lehman Brothers, who is among the first to sense trouble at the firm during the financial crisis.

The newborn daughter of Jende and Neni, symbolizing their enduring connection to America.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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