América's Dream: A Novel

Lyrical [and] haunting, América's liberating epiphany will have readers . . . on their feet and cheering. -- Washington Post

Deftly written and fiercely resilient, América's Dream explores the ever-shifting definition of what it means to be American and exemplifies the spirit of every immigrant who has dared to realize the American dream.

América Gonzalez is a hotel housekeeper on Vieques, an island off the coast of Puerto Rico, cleaning up after wealthy foreigners who don't look her in the eye. Her alcoholic mother resents her; her married boyfriend, Correa, beats her; and their fourteen-year-old daughter thinks life would be better anywhere but with América. So when América is offered the chance to work as a live-in housekeeper and nanny for a family in Westchester, New York, she takes it as a sign to finally make the escape she's been longing for.

Yet, even as América revels in the comparative luxury of her new life--daring to care about a man other than Correa--she is faced with the disquieting realization that no matter what she does, she can never really escape her past.

“"Thrilling and page-turning. The fabulous journey of America Gonzalez...is laid out masterfully."”

"I wish I could write like Esmeralda Santiago! Read this book; be inspired."

-- "Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times bestselling author"

"Lyrical [and] haunting, América's liberating epiphany will have readers . . . on their feet and cheering."

-- "Washington Post"

-- "Chicago Tribune"

[From] a strong and irresistible new voice in fiction...this novel is involving and immediate, truthful and tender."

-- "Publishers Weekly"

Esmeralda Santiago is the author of the memoirs When I Was Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman, which she adapted into a Peabody Award-winning film for PBS's Masterpiece, and The Turkish Lover; the novels América's Dream and Conquistadora; and a children's book, A Doll for Navidades. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and House & Garden, among other publications, and on NPR's All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she lives in New York.Esmeralda Santiago is the author of the memoirs When I Was Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman, which she adapted into a Peabody Award-winning film for PBS's Masterpiece, and The Turkish Lover; the novels América's Dream and Conquistadora; and a children's book, A Doll for Navidades. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and House & Garden, among other publications, and on NPR's All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she lives in New York.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.