The Newcomers

Lily Poritz Miller brings us this story of family, love and displacement with the same vivid, haunting prose and skilled storytelling as In a Pale Blue Light, her critically-acclaimed debut novel. Recently-widowed Sara Hoffman is filled with dreams of a new beginning. She is bringing her children from South Africa to join her brother, Meyer, in a small New England town. World War II has ended, all of their loved ones have perished and the estranged siblings long to be close. But Meyer has abandoned his youthful passions while chasing the American dream. Determined to gain standing in his community, Sara’s family is presented as his charity case. Small-town life becomes even more difficult for the new immigrants when Libka, Sara’s eldest daughter, is courted by a well-positioned older man. Under the watchful gaze of her family and community, Libka must choose between a dull, traditional future or the insecurity and freedom of escape. The Newcomers is a tender and sharply funny portrayal of one family’s frustrations, hopes and loyalties during the uncertain beginnings of their new life.