Official Review: They Followed Their Dreams

Kelebogile Mbangi · Post by **Kelebogile Mbangi** » 07 Oct 2017, 14:11

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "They Followed Their Dreams" by Michelle Russell.]

3 out of 4 stars

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You have been on the ocean for days. You cling to the memories you have of home and of your loved ones. Deep down you know that you will never see them again. What choice did you have? Your homeland can no longer support its growing population. Aside from this, the thought of being forcefully drafted into the military to fight a war that you have no interest in was enough to seal the decision. The chant, “Go to America. Your dreams will come true!” rings in your head. So, onwards and upwards you will go!

They Followed Their Dreams is a historical nonfiction book. It is written by Michelle Russell. The book documents the lives of German immigrants who settled in Chicago during the 19th century.

The Deppe family lives peacefully in Prüm. This small, scenic town has a rich history to boast of. Unfortunately, events lead Franz and Joseph, the oldest Deppe boys, to yearn for life elsewhere. When the opportunity presents itself, they head to America and settle in Chicago. This bustling city is nothing like their little hometown. Soon, Franz finds work as a baker. Joseph works as a tanner. Will they succeed in their quest for a better life?

The author depicts events as accurately as possible. Her research on the Deppe family history is extensive. It took her thirty years in total to write this book. Yet, it does not feel like a boring history book. The author, at times, helps readers to imagine events by veering away from fact. Whenever she did this, she would state, “Using historic facts, some dramatic license has been taken to tell the story.” Because of this, I never had to guess which parts of the book were fact and which were fiction.

The book contains illustrations and family trees. The family trees came in handy. It was difficult for me to remember who is who. This was due to the number of people mentioned in the book. Thankfully, I was able to turn to one of the family trees to refresh my memory. The illustrations helped me to visualize objects or persons being mentioned. I would have been lost without these visual aids.

As admirable as the credibility of the book is, I feel the author added too much detail. For example, when Franz buys land in Indiana, the author shares with us an extensive purchasing history of the land. As an average reader, I was tempted to skim past this part. It delayed the story.

Readers with an interest in American history and in the history of German immigrants will relish this book! The author covers events like Napoleon visiting Germany, the civil war between the Confederates and the Yankees, and much more. We see how these events affected the everyday lives of ordinary people.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars . It presents history in an easy-to-understand manner, whilst maintaining its credibility. I cannot give it 4 stars, as much as it is interesting, it did not have me fully engrossed.

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They Followed Their Dreams
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Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 11 Oct 2017, 05:44

Thirty years in the making! I suppose the author is a descendant of the Deppes to have such an interest in their history and genealogy.

Many still view America as the land of opportunity despite the new dispensation's unfriendly policies for immigrants.

Thanks, Kelebogile Mbangi, for this look-back into the adventures of early dreamers of the American Dream.

Kelebogile Mbangi · Post by **Kelebogile Mbangi** » 11 Oct 2017, 06:00

Miriam Molina wrote:Thirty years in the making! I suppose the author is a descendant of the Deppes to have such an interest in their history and genealogy.

Many still view America as the land of opportunity despite the new dispensation's unfriendly policies for immigrants.

Thanks, Kelebogile Mbangi, for this look-back into the adventures of early dreamers of the American Dream.

Yep, thirty years. Its quite a long time to write a book, I appreciate the hard work the author put into this book.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 11 Oct 2017, 07:24

It sounds like a pretty interesting book. I agree about the amount of detail. I wouldn't care about the specifics of purchasing the land either. Thanks for a good review.

KeriCraven · Post by **KeriCraven** » 11 Oct 2017, 07:48

Considering my great great great grandparents were immigrants from Germany this sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Thank you for your review

Kelebogile Mbangi · Post by **Kelebogile Mbangi** » 11 Oct 2017, 08:19

KeriCraven wrote:Considering my great great great grandparents were immigrants from Germany this sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Thank you for your review

It covers some German history too, so I'm sure it would interest you.

Gifty Naa Akushia · Post by **Gifty Naa Akushia** » 11 Oct 2017, 12:11

Thanks for The review.

Abodunrin · Post by **Abodunrin** » 12 Oct 2017, 01:23

The skimming past a particular point of excess information to you stating the author's use of illustrations to help understanding shows you honestly reviewed it. Welldone

kislany · Post by **kislany** » 12 Oct 2017, 02:33

Sounds like an interesting book, but I'm not sure I'd have been able to wade through all those details either. When they're unneeded and don't help the story progression, they bore me to tears. Thanks for a great review Kelebogile Mbangi.

kwahu · Post by **kwahu** » 13 Oct 2017, 05:59

Thirty years is a stunning long period of time. I guess I would love to learn more on how the boys managed their lives in a different culture. Nice Review.

Cloe101 · Post by **Cloe101** » 13 Oct 2017, 08:49

I love the issues and the emotions flowing in this book. It is too bad it gets too heavy for the average reader. Nice review.
If you find the time pls visit my review

juliusotinyo · Post by **juliusotinyo** » 13 Oct 2017, 10:08

The author depicts events as accurately as possible. Her research on the Deppe family history is extensive. It took her thirty years in total to write this book.

Woah! OK, I guess my 7+ years is not as bad. I love historical tales especially tales of origins of people and what inspired them to disperse. I enjoyed your review Kelebogile.

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 13 Oct 2017, 15:36

I'm not usually into memoirs, but this one sounds like it can be an exception. I love how you mentioned the family tree as a great tool. Also, knowing that the bulk of the story takes place in Chicago - where I live now, having moved here in early 2012 - I'm interested in seeing what Chicago was like during the time period in question.

Thank for the introduction and very thorough review!

Cyril Stephano Lissu · Post by **Cyril Stephano Lissu** » 13 Oct 2017, 16:09

The title of the book might have reflected the content of the book based on your review! Congratulation for grate review!

Kat Kennedy · Post by **Kat Kennedy** » 13 Oct 2017, 17:15

I enjoy reading books about immigrants, and this one sounds like it would be very interesting. You've done a good job with the review, and it's helped me decide to check this book out.