Raizel and her father leave their poverty-stricken life and their beloved family in Russia to make a new life in America. But although they are leaving behind their fear of pogroms, other fears grip them as they head into an uncertain future.
Papa’s illness on board ship is an immediate problem to be faced, as new immigrants must pass health checks at Ellis Island before they are allowed into the country. Raizel’s scholarly father must also battle the temptations to abandon some of his religious practices in order to acclimatise to life in America. The usual meaning of ” double crossing” , that someone has been cheated or betrayed, can be applied to Raizel’s father who never imagined how the Jewish life that was so precious to him would present so many difficulties after he left his little home village.
Timid Raizel develops into a tough and feisty character, as responsibilities and decision-making fall to her while her father is ill.
The author explores the issue of retaining one’s culture in a new land and while she writes about a Jewish family at the turn of the last century, Raizel’s experiences have much in common with immigrants in other places and times.
The author continues the story of Raizel and her family in “Cursing Columbus”.
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