A Good American; Alex George
Penguin Audio - 2012
Gibson Frazier, narrator - excellent
A Good American was my book group pick for July and everyone loved it. It's a wonderful story about the German immigrant experience from 1904 through 2010.
When Jette's mother rejects the man she has fallen in love with she convinces Frederick Meisenheimer to set sail for America. The couple, with a baby on the way, eventually settle in Beatrice, Missouri, a small town with other German immigrants. While Frederick immediately falls in love with all the possibilities American has to offer, Jette with new infant son Joseph is homesick and restless, and when a second child, Rosa arrives, the couples relationship becomes strained. When World War I calls eligible young men to duty, Frederick, although now 39 and running a restaurant, enlists in the military feeling a sense of duty to the country he loves. Jette is furious.
Music is of significant importance in this story, Jazz and Blues helps the family through the tough times and keeps the family close. There are several wonderful characters who come to life on the pages as the reader follows the Meisenheimer through the generations: WWI, prohibition, the Great Depression and WWII. Heartbreak and tragedy comes often to this family and to the people they care about but, despite this they remain stronger together. The story has a nice balance of love, life, romance and loss.
Although I definitely enjoyed the first half of this book more, the entire novel was a transporting experience with an unexpected revelation as the story wound down. Alex George is a talented debut author to watch for. If you love well done immigrant stories, be sure to check this one out. The audio was excellent.
4.5/5 stars
(library audio)
I have been curious about this one. Glad the audio is good!
ReplyDeleteVery very good on audio.
DeleteI've had this one far too long. I wonder if I can get my book club to read it.
ReplyDeleteYou must dig it out! LOL
DeleteI listened to this one when it was first released. Both the audio and the story were excellent.
ReplyDeleteI loved the audio as well.
DeleteI think I would like that one too!
ReplyDeleteIt's really a great story.
DeleteMy entire family on both sides were German immigrants. I will have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is plenty to like in this story for most readers and probably even more reasons to read it for someone like you. (Both sets of my grandparents were Polish immigrants)
DeleteHave added this to my to read list. Have a personal interest through family. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteIt's excellent Emma.
DeleteLove the cover, and I need to know if he made it back from the war.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to email you the answer Ryan.
DeleteSounds like a book I would like--my parents were immigrants, and the immigrant experience is a powerful part of the American story.
ReplyDeleteJane, I think you would enjoy this one very much - pls add to your TBR.
DeleteI read this a few years ago, and ever once in a while I still find myself thinking about the characters.
ReplyDeleteTina, don't you love when the characters and story stick with you long after? This was an excellent debut.
DeleteI'm so glad you really liked this one. I thought you would. I hope you are feeling much better today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margot - out and about today somewhat and yes, I did love this one.
DeleteI remember everyone raving about this when it came out but I've passed on it several times when I've found it on sale. Thanks for the kick in the butt to get ahold of a copy of it.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm convinced to give this one another chance (maybe on audio) now that I've read and loved his second novel.
ReplyDelete