Ellis Island, 1902. Francesca arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life than the one she left in Italy. That same day, aspiring linguist Alma reports to her first day of work at the immigrant processing center. Ellis, though, is not the refuge it first appears thanks to President Roosevelt's attempts to deter crime. Francesca and Alma will have to rely on each other to escape its corruption and claim the American dreams they were promised.
A thoughtful historical inspired by true events, this novel probes America's history of prejudice and exclusion—when entry at Ellis Island promised a better life but often delivered something drastically different, immigrants needed strength, resilience, and friendship to fight for their futures.
Kindle, 432 pages
Expected publication February 8, 2022
by Sourcebooks Landmark
3.5/5 stars
I really enjoy reading HF for the history lesson and a realistic story. It's Ellis Island in 1902 when The Next Ship Home takes place.
Francesca, an Italian immigrant and Alma, German background, are similar in age and personalities. Where one runs from her past the other stays put. Both wanting something better for they lives and actually just wanting a say in their future. As Francesca arrives on US soil she is greeted with heartache and turmoil. Becoming friends with Alma changes everything and even more so as tension between different immigrant groups threaten their relationship. Add in rumours of corruption on the island.
The Next Ship Home is a story of new beginnings, self discovery and standing tall. While this might not be my favorite Heather Webb book - I've read each of her books, I enjoyed learning more about Ellis Island and appreciated the author notes at the end.
My thanks to Sourcebooks for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.
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