Who are we?
Dreams of My Mothers dives into the heart of this question in a way that will haunt the reader for a long time. As individuals and as a nation the question of our identity and what it means continues to be relevant and ? potentially ? more critical. The fundamental definitions of what it is to be American, who is American, what it is to be a family, who makes up families, and how our beliefs, faiths, prejudices, and aspirations fit onto these definitions and questions are more complex and compelling than ever.
With the laws changing regarding marriage and family structures, with debates regarding immigration and citizenship, and the realization that we are all part of a much more global, multi-racial, intercultural, and multi-faith world, the questions: who are we? and who am I? are less easy to answer.
The raging discourse surrounding race and prejudice, racism and bias affects us all, making us question the assumptions, biases and beliefs that we all hold. For many, these are topics which create discomfort, confusion, and sometimes, anger.
Dreams of My Mothers is a story unique to one person, but relevant to us all, because it squarely touches on all the issues of who we are ? as a people, a nation, and as individuals. It is a story uniquely American, yet global. It is a story that is intensely personal, yet universal in its humanness and themes.
It is the story of a boy coming of age, but ultimately, it is a story of redemption and the triumph of family; and especially of two women ? mothers from the opposite ends of the world and the human condition ? who find that their love for the same child takes them beyond the brink of their respective personal tragedies and pain to be transformed in ways they could not have imagined.
The story grabs you and never lets go; the emotions fully engulf you; the scenes are keenly tangible, and the triumph is real.
And the story is true.