From Plotzk to Boston


Read by Sue Anderson

(4.7 stars; 44 reviews)

An intensely personal account of the immigration experience as related by a young Jewish girl from Plotzk (a town in the government of Vitebsk, Russia). Mary Antin, with her mother, sisters, and brother, set out from Plotzk in 1894 to join their father, who had journeyed to the "Promised Land" of America three years before. Fourth class railroad cars packed to suffocation, corrupt crossing guards, luggage and persons crudely "disinfected" by German officials who feared the cholera, locked "quarantine" portside, and, finally, the steamer voyage and a family reunited. For anyone who has ever wondered what it was like for their grandparents or great grandparents to emigrate from Europe to the United States last century, this is a fascinating narrative. Mary Antin went on to become an immigration rights activist. She also wrote an autobiography, The Promised Land, published in 1912, which detailed her assimilation into American culture. (Summary by Sue Anderson) (1 hr 53 min)

Chapters

Foreword and Prefatory 12:42 Read by Sue Anderson
Part 1 29:13 Read by Sue Anderson
Part 2 24:24 Read by Sue Anderson
Part 3 18:21 Read by Sue Anderson
Part 4 28:37 Read by Sue Anderson

Reviews

Very Interesting


(4 stars)

A very interesting read on immigration through the eyes of a young girl. The author’s maturity in writing was quite remarkable and engaging. Although Mary and her family were not refugees, many of their experiences mirror those of modern day asylum seekers. For this reason, this little autobiography from the early 1900’s continues to be as relevant today as it was at the time of writing. Many thanks to the narrator for a great read.

well written and well narrated!


(5 stars)

I enjoyed this window into a journey so many have taken as they arrived into the promised land of the USA. At times I felt as if I were there with them!

from Plotz to Boston


(5 stars)

Charming and informative text, excellently read. I do not care for the ads, however; they are noisy, distracting, and destroy the mood of the reading. We don't need ads; please don't use them.


(4.5 stars)

A good description of a girls experience immigrating to America. Many Jewish immigrants of that period must have gone through similar ordeals. A nice easy listen, surprisingly well written.

Well Written Narrative


(5 stars)

This was such an interesting description, written by such a very young girl and a very interesting perspective - jct


(5 stars)

Such a good book and such a good reader.


(5 stars)

Amazing must read. Special thnX to thoughtful reader

very good story the narration was to dry


(3 stars)