Man of Two Worlds: A German Family Confronts the American Dream

Ray Grasshoff
Lulu (2009)
ISBN 9780557064632
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (11/10)

 

Many of us never think about why or how individuals who immigrate to our country adapt to a new life. In this rich, very detailed book we read about the Kempe family who left Saxony to move to Texas to get away from turmoil and war. The process of leaving Germany in itself is a long and tedious one, often filled with fear and heartbreak. Coming to Texas in 1854 is not an easy trip, and then you don’t know the lifestyle or the language.

Through letters to their family Wilhelm and Auguste Kempe tell their family of their trials and in return receive letters about family member illnesses and death, which they can do nothing about.

I was actually surprised at how many immigrants were not documented or on the census. How many people did that happen to? In addition, when one translates letters, documents or other forms we have a tendency to lose some of the actual information. We can see this throughout the book.

“Man of Two Worlds” was very well researched, with many documents, letters and photos of the Kempe’s family and relatives. If you think immigrants have it easy here – think again.

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