Review of Dreaming in English by Laura Fitzgerald

Rating = 5

Tamila Soroush comes to America ostensibly to visit her sister, but hoping to find someone to marry so she can stay in America. Her sister tries to arrange a marriage between Tami and a Persian man, but all efforts fall through. On the last day before she must go back to Iran, Tami opens her hotel door to see Ike, an American man she has come to love. Ike knows about her need to marry and so he marries her right away.  Even though Tami and Ike love each other, many people don't believe it, instead choosing to believe that Tami only married Ike for a green card. His parents are particularly hostile to Tami.  But Ike and Tami continue as a couple, even starting a business together, but the time for Tami's immigration interview is getting closer and she is getting nervous.  Will she get to stay in America or will she lose Ike and her freedom completely?

Dreaming in English is a sequel to Fitzgerald's previous book, Veil of Roses, the story of Tami's sister. Either book can stand alone, but it's nice to read both.  I liked Dreaming in English. The story is told by Tami in first person, present tense. The reader knows what Tami is seeing and thinking at all times. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad, she paints a powerful picture of the reason so many people leave everything and everyone they know to come to this country. Tami is a wonderful character and I didn't want the book to end. Highly recommended.