The Free World
The Free World
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Rome, Italy • 1970s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Free World by David Bezmozgis, three generations of the Jewish Latvian Krasnansky family navigate their emigration from Soviet Latvia to North America in the late 1970s. Escaping economic stagnation, they travel through various countries and temporarily settle in Italy, facing many challenges while seeking to immigrate to Canada. Sensitive topics include depiction of wartime violence and trauma.
Emotional
Melancholic
Hopeful
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
1,872 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
David Bezmozgis's The Free World has been lauded for its eloquent writing and deep exploration of immigrant experiences, set against the backdrop of the Soviet Jewish exodus. Critics appreciate its rich character development and historical context. However, some find the narrative pacing slow at times. Overall, it is a nuanced and evocative read.
Who Should Read The Free World?
A reader who enjoys The Free World by David Bezmozgis likely appreciates immigrant narratives rich with cultural insight and historical context. Fans of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake and Aleksandar Hemon's The Lazarus Project will also find Bezmozgis' exploration of Soviet Jewish emigration compelling and thought-provoking.
1,872 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Rome, Italy • 1970s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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