The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island

Heather Webb

Publication Date: February 8, 2022 by Sourcebooks Landmark

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ellis Island, 1902. Francesca arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life than the one she left in Italy. That same day, aspiring linguist Alma reports to her first day of work at the immigrant processing center. Ellis, though, is not the refuge it first appears thanks to President Roosevelt’s attempts to deter crime. Francesca and Alma will have to rely on each other to escape its corruption and claim the American dreams they were promised.

A thoughtful historical inspired by true events, this novel probes America’s history of prejudice and exclusion—when entry at Ellis Island promised a better life but often delivered something drastically different, immigrants needed strength, resilience, and friendship to fight for their futures.

My Thoughts:

The Statue of Liberty: a beacon of hope for most, a symbol of manipulation and suppression for others. Webb deftly presents the dark side of Ellis Island and ultimately immigration itself through an amazingly powerful story. This story provides a glimpse into the lives of two women who have to overcome multiple setbacks and adversity in order to secure a future for themselves.
First there is Francesca, an Italian immigrant who travels with her sister to escape the atrocities she was exposed to in her hometown. The voyage is fraught with disease and complications due to social standing. Francesca finds herself emboldened to do whatever it takes to reach the golden shores of the United States. Upon disembarking she once again finds herself in precarious circumstances.
Alma was forced to work at Ellis Island as a Matron by her ruthless stepfather. Alma’s family immigrated from Germany, own a beerhouse, and live in a German neighborhood. Alma is a tenderhearted soul who has a passion for languages and wants more from her life then just marriage and a family. She works tirelessly at the Ellis Island processing center where she assists with translating for the immigrants. Alma is appalled at the sinister and cruel ways that the newly arrived immigrants are taken advantage of. When Alma goes out on a limb to befriend and assist the newly arrived Francesca, she finds herself unraveling just how corrupt the system is.
In this book Webb does more than just expose the corruption at Ellis Island. Webb highlights what a huge difference a little kindness and compassion can do. Francesca and Alma represent so many women who were subjected to the stereotype of society. They embody how women became empowered to want and do more for themselves. Webb’s writing is delightfully expressive and this book is one that is not to be missed by lovers of historical fiction.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.