Still, her coworkers repeatedly convince her not to say anything. Alma’s first instinct is to report all types of corruption she sees-from the vendor giving incorrect change, to matrons resorting to physical violence.What was the reasoning behind these limiting policies? How do they compare to modern immigration requirements? because they have no male relatives to meet them and no employment arranged. Francesca and Maria are first denied entry to the U.S.What would cause you to leave your home to a new country?.

What did you think about Alma and Francesca? Overall, The Next Ship Home is an absorbing, moving, beautifully written tale by Webb inspired by real-life events that, at its heart, highlights that sometimes a little kindness, a bit of luck, and a lot of hard work and determination can make a world of difference, and reminds us that even though we’ve come so far when it comes to exclusion and racism, we still have a ways to go. And the plot is a poignant, tender tale of life, loss, love, hope, prejudice, politics, family, sacrifices, tragedy, abusive power, successes, and female friendship.

The characters are flawed, driven, and engaging. The Next Ship Home is an immersive tale that sweeps you away to New York City during 1902 and into the life of two women, Francesca Ricci, a young Italian girl who dreams of a better life in America only to suffer persecution and unimaginable loss in the shadows of the statue of liberty, and Alma Brauer, a young American woman with a passion for languages and a new job on Elis Island that, she quickly learns is not a place for immigrants to feel welcome and supported, but rather a building where corruption is rampant and abuse is prolific. She connects with Francesca and becomes determined to ensure that Francesca is successful in America. I would never call this girl spoiled, but we see her grow up a lot as the story progresses. Francesca’s success in getting through Ellis was helped along by Alma. For Francesca, a lot of the story is about the horrors of trying to get through Ellis Island, but when she does get off, she still has to secure a job and a place to live. The narration alternates between Francesca and Alma’s perspectives, giving us first view insight into each woman’s life. Then she meets Alma, and they form a bond that takes the reader through this fantastic story. Excited and nervous, her expectations are quickly reduced to nothing as everything goes wrong. This book was absolutely fantastic! Through the perspectives of two women one either side of the immigration line, I learned so much about Ellis Island in the early 1900s!įrancesca has been through a harrowing journey with her sister across the ocean to arrive at America’s doorstep.

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