In this edition of Book Review, we focus on “Behold the Dreamers”, a critically acclaimed debut novel by Imbolo Mbue, a Cameroonian-American author. Published in 2016, the novel explores themes of immigration, the American Dream, race, class, and the global financial crisis, all through the lens of two families in New York City.

At the heart of the story is Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant who lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers, just before the 2008 financial collapse.

Jende’s wife, Neni, also finds work in the Edwards’ household. As the Jongas strive for legal residency and a better life for their young son, they become entangled in the unravelling lives of their wealthy employers.

“Behold the Dreamers” won the 2017 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and was selected for Oprah’s Book Club. Critics praised Mbue’s empathetic storytelling, rich character development, and timely social commentary.

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.