The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island

by Heather Webb Narrated by Kathryn Markey

Overview

A young Italian woman arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life. That same day, a young American woman reports to her first day of work at the immigration center. But Ellis Island isn't a refuge for Francesca or Alma, not when ships depart every day with those who are refused entry to the country
and when corruption ripples through every corridor. While Francesca resorts to desperate measures to ensure she will make it off the island, Alma fights for her dreams of becoming a translator, even as women are denied the chance.
As the two women face the misdeeds of a system known to manipulate and abuse immigrants searching for new hope in America, they form an unlikely friendship and share a terrible secret-altering their fates and the lives of the immigrants who come after them.
Inspired by true events and for fans of Kristina McMorris and Hazel Gaynor, The Next Ship Home holds up a mirror to our own times, deftly questioning America's history of prejudice and exclusion while also reminding us of our citizens' singular
determination. This is a novel of the dark secrets of Ellis Island, when entry to “the land of the free” promised a better life but often delivered something drastically different and when immigrant strength and female friendship found ways to triumph even on the darkest days.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Powerful and poignant, The Next Ship Home shines a literary light on Ellis Island’s dark history, where the prejudices of the past often sit uncomfortably close to the present. Written with a clear passion for the subject matter, Webb captures the injustices, suffering, hope, and determination of a generation of immigrants. Francesca and Alma roar from the page and leave the reader caring for them deeply. A richly imagined novel and a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Brava!" — Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young & Brave

"With meticulous research and deft prose, Heather Webb crafts an unflinching look at the immigrant experience, an unlikely and unique friendship, and a resonant story of female empowerment. The Next Ship Home is truly a beautiful and powerful book." — Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star

"The Next Ship Home is a wonderfully immersive novel that kept me engrossed from the first page to the last. Through a seamless tale of immigrants, corruption, resilience, and hope, Webb illuminates a dark side of America too often lost to history. An important, timely read featuring a cast I loved to root for." — Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday

"Centered around Ellis Island—symbol of America’s greatest hopes and scene of some of her greatest travesties—The Next Ship Home is the heart-wrenching story of two young women fighting for freedom and independence. In this timely and utterly immersive story, Webb unflinchingly exposes the prejudice, sexism, and corruption rampant with the immigration system of the times while still weaving in hope that we can do and be better." — Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Whisper Me This and Everything You Are

"The Next Ship Home is one of the rare stories that will nestle itself in your soul and make a home there. Heather Webb creates two remarkable, endearing heroines that you will root for from beginning to end. Her depiction of Ellis Island and turn-of-the-century New York is lush with meticulously researched detail. But most striking, Webb tackles the thorny and complex issues of immigration and workers’ rights with sensitivity and grace. Her message is compassionate and timely, and I was blown away by how deftly Webb weaves it through Alma and Francesca’s stories. The Next Ship Home deserves a place as one of the great books of the American Experience." — Aimie K. Runyan, international bestselling author of Across the Winding River and Daughters of the Night Sky

"A touching and intimate story of two very different young women who join forces in turn-of-the-century New York City to overcome the odds. As a long time fan of Heather Webb's novels, The Next Ship Home is her most accomplished and emotionally compelling book to date. The insightful historical details delving into the Ellis Island immigration process make this novel essential reading for anyone yearning to understand the roots of the American Experience. Highly recommended." — Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams

"Reading this story is like stepping back in time to the gut-churning experience of arriving at Ellis Island in 1902 and being willing to do anything for a shot at a fresh start in a new country. The vivid historical details, the fascinating setting, and the tenacity of this book’s main characters kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. The Next Ship Home serves as a powerful and humbling reminder about the courage it takes to start over." — Elise Hooper, author of Fast Girls and Angels of the Pacific

Library Journal - Audio

★ 09/01/2022

Webb's (Three Words for Goodbye) novel, which takes place on Ellis Island in 1902, tells the stories of Francesca and Alma. Alma's German family has not been in the country for long, but Alma is fluent in English as well as German and has easily picked up bits of Russian and Italian. Sent to work by her stepfather, Alma is initially afraid to serve as a translator at the immigration center but she soon adjusts, despite dealing with corruption and the sad stories she witnesses. Francesca's sister arrives in New York already ill and dies at Ellis Island. Terrified that she will be returned to Italy, Francesca befriends Alma to convince her to help find a way for Francesca to stay in the country. The two young women help each other through difficult times and try to ward off abuse. Both women are treated unfairly, primarily by men but also by other women. Narrator Kathryn Markey does a remarkable job voicing the variety of accents and languages spoken by those who come through Ellis Island. VERDICT Webb's historical novel sheds light on an interesting period in American history.—Cheryl Youse

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176334067
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	02/08/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,063,399

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