The Bread Givers

by Anna Yerzierska

Another book from Timothy's shelf (when we don't make it to the library on the weekend, I plunder Tim's bookshelf).

This is an incredibly good book, detailing the life of a young Polish immigrant and her family. The writing style is completely different from anything I have ever been exposed to. You can read the first chapter of the book (I found it online!)

Sara was the youngest of four daughters, living in the tenements of New York. She talks about her sisters looking for work in the sweat shops, living in poverty. The four of them are responsible for bringing in all the money the family has. Their Father is a rabbi, a man of God, who does not believe that it is for him to work, but his children, who will honor him and his God by bringing their wages straight home to him.

Excellent story of how Sara declares her independence from the old traditions and works to go to college and become a teacherin. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!