Shattered Dreams, Broken Promises: The Cost of Coming to America

by Michael Viner

Viner traveled to various Eastern European countries to interview women of all ages and circumstances who are willing to do anything to get to America. The revealing and often unsettling tales of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1597775371
• ISBN13: 9781597775373
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Phoenix Books
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Important Reading Material for Every American

I love how this book is structured- in distinct, clearly defined, and very different voices. It's easy to group these women into one category--"Russian immigrants"--but each is so unique, it would be impossible to put it so simply. I have to applaud Michael Viner for compiling these stories- it's a community that may otherwise be overlooked. Especially in Los Angeles (but in every big city in America) you come to learn that everyone has a story, nearly all of us have a homeland outside of this country, and we have each had to struggle. Rarely do we have the opportunity to see this statement illustrated so clearly and effortlessly in ONE book! Reading "Shattered Dreams" is like having twenty four separate conversations--luckily, Michael Viner has done the work for us. All that's left to do is enjoy.

A MUST READ FOR EVERY WOMAN

Although, our country is going through a rocky period, it's paradise for women compared to the new "enlightened" Russia and the former USSR. Innocent girls, students, workers are regularly treated like slaves there: rapes, beatings and abuse are everyday occurences. The police are indifferent to these crimes and always blame the women. Michael Viner has taken us deep inside the female psyche in this moving book, which details the stories of 24 women who want to come to the US to improve their lives. They are prey to scam artists, marriage brokers and madams,who seduce these young women with fraudulent ads. Many of them are forced into jobs as strippers and prostitutes to repay the devious men and agencies who have misled them with the promise of a Green Card and citizenship. Mr. Viner has the women speak in their own voices without pulling punches. This is a must read for American women who will then count their blessings that they live in a country that treats them with respect and dignity.

Can't put it down once you get started

We have all heard stories of the flight of immigrants to America from many different backgrounds, but Shattered Dreams really brings to life the before and after for so many women from Russia. Each of the girls' stories is different; you are compelled to read the next story just to get a better understanding of their lives. The book gives great insight to how Russia women think; interact with other Russians and with people in America once they arrive. This is not just a story of Russian women coming to America and living in New York, the book covers other cities and how they adapt to life in America. I would love to see a sequel of other women's struggle to freedom and their journey to America as well. This is a must read book.

When does the follow-up book come out?

Shattered Dreams relates a series of stories told from different perspectives though most shared one thing in common: each was being exploited (usually sexually) or abused--yet very few of them behave or think of themselves as "victims." It was fascinating to be able to step into their shoes, and after each story was over, I found myself wondering what their life must be like today. After reading these tough Eastern European women's stories, you'll find yourself hoping for the sequel, too!

Every story you have ever heard in one book

This book covers every kind of Russian woman's story you could imagine. From rich bitch to the most poverty stricken girl you could fathom. It has it all and presents their journeys with both humor and tear-jerking candor.