This extraordinary work of oral history captures the immense drama and full dimensions of the American immigrant experience. The men and women who tell their stories include such famous names as Alistair Cooke; W. Michael Blumenthal; Edward Teller; and Lynn Redgrave. But they share these pages with 136 other people whose stories are equally compelling: a Jewish former sweatshop worker and union organizer; a Scandanavian homesteader; a Polish coal miner; an anti-Nazi refugee; a Japanese war bride; a Mexican migrant worker; a Cuban exile; a South African interracial couple; a Soviet dissident; and many more. They reveal the mingled joy and pain; hardship and triumph that were and are part of the glowing dream and fearful gamble of a new life in a new land. They offer unique understanding not only of the makeup but of the meaning of America.
#2472365 in Books Duke University Press Books 2008-08-18 2008-08-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .58 x 6.13l; .75 #File Name: 0822341964232 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent. Highly Recommended!By J. WolffFar too often studies on development focus on the policies initiated by bureaucrats at the top. Hearn avoids this and instead provides a unique account of everyday people building community networks and trust in order to tell a story about politics in Cuba. An anthropologist by training; Hearn gives us access to the rich religious traditions of the country and those who practice them. A must read for anyone interested in Cuba; its citizens and culture.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An Extraordinary Contribution To The Literature on this TopicBy A. RICHFor anyone interested in understanding Cuba today; this is an essential work. Hearn offers not only penetrating insight into this amazing country but a wonderful overview of social anthropological thought as it pertains to the challenges of developing countries. Finally; he is a terrific writer and his analysis; interspersed with vivid anecdotes from his considerable long-term stays throughout the country; make this a joy to read. Highly recommended!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. First-rate cross-cultural study of contemporary CubaBy ShaniIn Adrian Hearn works at the fecund intersection of religion; performance; and economic development. While his book is an exercise in traditional; participant-observer cultural anthropology; Hearn's background in percussion affords him access to the Yoruba-descendent regla de ocha or santerÃa religious complex. In fact; the author's closeness to the communities he engages is palpable; approximating complete integration; which rewards his readers an intimacy elusive to many cross-cultural researchers. opens up pathways of knowledge into relationships between regla-based grassroots organizations and international non-governmental development agencies. I highly recommend this academic monograph to anyone interested in concurrent--sometimes conflicting; other times cooperative-- political and economic structures in contemporary Cuban society.
