starrysteph's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I had mixed feelings about The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants.
On one hand - I was incredibly compelled by the story, which I know is semi-autobiographical. Marc's partner Isaac is summoned to immigration court, and the couple have to decide whether to fight the deportation or consider leaving the US. Marc is an attorney dealing with an overwhelming amount of internal turmoil: his past addiction & trauma are threatening to resurface, he’s avoiding reconnecting with his Jewish family (he’s barely discussed his gay identity with them), and he has to take on an ethically-icky case at his firm.
So yes … there are emotionally powerful elements. There are some lovely scenes around familial struggles and being forced out of your home and Jewish traditions.
But the writing is incredibly weak & disjointed. The dialogue feels “off” and things are structurally confusing. Additionally, both Marc and Isaac make baffling decisions that don’t seem to correlate with what we are told about them as people. It was often painful to read and witness them (particularly the protagonist Marc) make mistake after mistake.
I also struggled to see their strengths as a couple; it felt like most interactions were harsh and cold. I needed some more background or flashbacks or grounding scenes in order to root for them as a pair. Instead, I often found myself thinking Isaac should find someone better!
One more note: the phrase “sat Indian-style” was used on pg. 33 of my copy, and it was disappointing to see that offensive and outdated language.
CW: death of parent, murder, addiction, alcoholism, drug use, homophobia, stalking, sexual assault, rape, grief, war
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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, War, Sexual content, Mental illness, Infidelity, Gun violence, Death of parent, Death, Addiction, Rape, Grief, Hate crime, Deportation, Murder, Stalking, Alcoholism, Drug use, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, and Antisemitism
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