*4.5 stars*

It’s the early 20th century and emigrants from various parts of the world are setting sail with dreams of a new life in America. For some though, the dream has ended before they even reach their destination. This then is the backdrop for Street Corner Dreams.

Golda comes to America just before WWI, but before her dreams can even begin to take shape, she has to marry her widowed brother-in-law Ben, after her sister Esther dies aboard the ship giving birth to her and Ben’s son, Morty.

Living in Brooklyn they’re aware of the various gangs, the ones who demand protection money and carry out many illegal activities, but as long as they keep their heads down, the gangs won’t bother them, will they?

Ben, Golda and Morty live a simple life, and although they’re not well off, they managed to live within their means. However, as the Great Depression hits, things become increasingly desperate for Ben and he makes a decision that will alter his family’s life forever!

Gosh, this was an engaging and heartfelt portrayal of a Jewish family trying to make the best of a life thousands of miles from their home in Poland, trying to fit in and make sense of other cultures and religions. It follows the family right up until Morty is well into his twenties. The characters were realistic in their portrayal of this era and the difficulties they faced. It is a story of family duty, responsibility, love and secrets. Excellent. Highly recommended.

*Thank you to Netgalley and She Writes Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *netgalley133 s2 comments Debbie362 72

There is an old saying that "you must walk a mile in someone else's shoes" to understand what they went through. Ms. Kraut, the author of this book, puts us in the "shoes" of the Feinstein family in this very compelling story about one family's immigration journey, from Poland to Brooklyn between WWI and WWII, in search of fulfilling their dreams.

This piece of history and this story captured my heart. Along with all the socioeconomic struggles that they faced during those times, this family had to contend with the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression, and the rise of organized crime in NY. These characters faced poverty, the threat of homelessness, and antisemitism, while sacrificing so much just to get by. It is only with love, determination, hard work, and perseverance that they were able to move ahead into the future in their newly adopted country.

I would recommend this book to readers who love historical fiction or family drama. This would also be a good book for Book Club discussions, or anyone wanting to learn more about the immigration experience in the early part of the 20th century.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.netgalley13 s Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews1,143 1,526

FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON NOVEMBER 16.

What a way to start her life in America.

Golda was accompanying her sister Esther to America because she was pregnant.

Esther died in childbirth, and Golda was left with the baby and Esther’s husband.

What was Golda going to do?

You will find what happens in this beautiful, heartwarming read with characters you will love and a story line you won't want to end. 

Tissues needed at times.  LOVED this book.  5/5

Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.10 s2 comments Di629 20

As shallow as I sometimes may be, I was drawn to this book by its cover. The title has the word Dreams, and to me, the woman on the cover seems to be lost in her dreams. As we all know, dreams do not always come true.

The setting is Brooklyn, at the beginning of the 20th century. This is the time when many Jews and Italians are coming to America as immigrants, looking for a better life. This is a historical novel, a generational family saga. But, the story it tells, could be the story of many families who arrived in the US during this time.

Brooklyn is full of loan sharks, feuding gangs, the underworld and thugs. It is very hard for poor and desperate newcomers to stay clear. To read about it is hard but also very interesting.

There is a good variety of characters. Some strong, some weak. I especially Morty. He has a good heart but gets caught up in difficult circumstances and makes life-changing decisions.

The writing style is narrative, there's not a lot of dialogue. But, it works. The story is well told. The ending leaves this reader to believe that there is the possibility of a sequel.8 s1 comment Dona772 111

Full review on my blog!

Thank you to the author Florence Reiss Kraut, publishers She Writes Press, and Get Red PR Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of STREET CORNER DREAMS. Thank you also to Libby for an accomanying ebook. All views are mine.



Opening quote: She thought how lucky she had been to have a friend Cousin Surah , strong and wise and loving. A place to stay. Food to eat. Even piecework, stitching bespoke dresses and embroidering shirtwaists... where she could earn money and help pay their expenses. Loc 732

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. The pace is very fast, which keeps the narrative relevant and cohesive, but honestly at the expense of certain detail.

2. This story is brilliant and so important, the history of the single mother in America before the existence of social safety nets.

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5. I love this narrative! The romance is so dangerous and heart-rending, which makes it absolutely gripping. The two lovers' family problems complicate everything, increasing the tension to a wonderful pitch!
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Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. Writers sometimes underestimate how much time conversations the one at loc. 1003 take. This amount of material, especially of this sort, cannot always be covered in one brief visit of an hour or two, or even a whole afternoon. This is just a small pacing issue that I always notice!
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