Title: Immigrant Family
Author: Norman Kelker
Publisher: Inks and Bindings, LLC
ISBN: 979-8886152623
Pages: 314
Genre: Biographies and Memoirs
Reviewer: Reyan Boris Mishra
Hollywood Book Reviews
Who doesn’t enjoy paging through a tale of evolution? And when it’s based on real lives spanning over three centuries, the interest touches the ceiling. The book we are reviewing today, Immigrant Family by Norman Kelker, gives you a peek into the evolution of an immigrant family (Kelkers) – their struggles, resilience, successes, and failures. Written in a rather matter-of-fact manner, the book not only explores the history and present of the Kelkers, but it also highlights the mega transformation that America has witnessed over the past couple of centuries. It’s a layered read with several highly relatable, heart-touching, uplifting, and thought-provoking stories inside.
The book details the lives of 10 generations of the Kelker family right from their arrival in America from Switzerland in 1743 to the realizations of the 21st century. The family – that has served all but every important industry of America from science to politics – hasn’t just seen success. They have, in fact, also witnessed their fair share of failures and heartbreaks. And the author, Norman Kelker, a scientist-turned-historian, explores both good and bad with equal curiosity.
Several Kelker family biographies have gone into the making of this book. Nooks and crannies of the US during different periods have also been explored properly and substantiated with the help of facts and figures and newspaper cuttings, letters, banners, and a variety of pictures.
As you might have guessed from the introduction, it’s a voluminous read – but come to think of it, it would surprise us all a little if a family’s three centuries’ worth of history could be wrapped in fewer pages. Though the book is just over 300 pages long, it doesn’t feel stretched at all – and readers won’t likely feel lost at any point.
The author has written with such a flair that the incidents appear to be coming straight out of his mind. Language is simple and conversational – as a result, most readers, no matter their proficiency in English, would find it enjoyable to read. Every page adds something – and keeps you excited for the next. Though Immigrant Family is suitable for all kinds of readers, it’s a perfect read for those who can connect with others and empathize with their experiences. And for that purpose, the book requires your good attention. Given you do that, you might find your mind jogging to your history on its own.
I highly recommend this book by Norman Kelker. It’s a deeply human story of starting over, staying together, and finding identity in a foreign land. A testament to perseverance and the power of family, this book reminds us that migration is more than a journey—it’s a transformation. If you haven’t already set your sight on what could be your next read, you might want to give this one a shot. You will most likely get something good out of it.