In this edition of Book Review, we throw the spotlight on Imbolo Mbue’s Behold the Dreamers
The story follows two families in New York during the 2007-2008 financial crisis: the Jongas, immigrants from Limbe, Cameroon (Jende Jonga, his wife Neni, and their son Liomi), and the Edwards family, Clark Edwards (a Lehman Brothers executive), his wife Cindy, and their children.
Jende, initially working modestly, lands a job as chauffeur for Clark Edwards. Neni takes up student work and home health aide/housekeeping positions. The novel tracks their hopes, struggles, and the fragile balance between stability and insecurity.
As the financial crisis unravels, both families face disruptions, but the Jongas are especially vulnerable due to their immigration status, financial precarity, and outsider identity.
The novel details the experiences of two New York City families during the 2008 financial crisis: an immigrant family from Cameroon, the Jonga family, and their wealthy employers, the Edwards family.
Let’s join Israel Ude and Hyle Zira Adamu from our partner station, Albarka Radio 97.5FM Bauchi to review the book, Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue.