A continuation of Harry Bernstein's life in volume 2 of his memoirs, this one on the challenges to the family of the trip from England to the U.S. and then assimilation beginning in 1922. Harry, the curious one, seemed to do well in fitting in. Like his older brother, Joe, he figured out what he needed to do to blend in best. Rose, who was so unbending, constantly fought life to get it on her terms, something she never accomplished and no doubt died an embittered and unsatisfied woman. Harry is the first in the family to graduate from high school (in fact, he may be the first who attended high school). Sydney achieved his mother's dream and graduated from college (unfortunately she didn't live to see it).

I felt such sympathy for Harry's mother who encountered one hurdle after another she had to overcome on behalf of her family, not least was her husband, a combative alcoholic. She was the hero in these books. ( )

THE DREAM is volume two in Harry Bernstein's memoir trilogy. This one takes Harry from his arrival in America at 12 years old - along with his parents and five siblings - until he meets and marries his wife at age 25 (in 1935). The first of his family to graduate from high school, Harry finally stands up to his brute of a father in a violent confrontation and escapes with his mother and youngest brother to New York, leaving his father in a Chicago jail. In NYC during the depths of the Great Depression, he struggles for years to find meaningful work. Tough times. I loved THE INVISIBLE WALL, and this book is every bit as good - a moving, beautifully written page-turner. Highly recommended. (And now on to volume three, THE GOLDEN WILLOW.) ( )