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Life with an Accent: One Immigrant's Quest to Belong
Finding freedom after WWII is just the beginning of Frank Levy’s journey from Berlin to the Middle East to America. By the time he is 13 Frank is a pro at starting over, shifting languages and cultures, even changing his name in a life molded by events beyond his control. Yet no matter where he goes, he is always marked by his accent. In America he earns a degree in mechanical engineering, has a family and succeeds at a career in textile machinery. When Frank has it all together, fate intervenes and he must reinvent himself again. Along the way he wins an international award for sustainable technology. But with every effort he makes, a person, an experience or a story emerges from the past proving that the history any immigrant lives through matters.
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 30, 2018
I received a copy of the "Young Adult Edition" from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the concept of this book - the story of Frank Levy, who as a young child, leaves Nazi Germany for Israel with his Jewish German parents. The rest of his life, wherever he goes, he is always marked by his accent. Frank's wife, Marilyn, is the author of this book, which begins as a biography but later converts to her memoir as it relates to Frank.
One of the best elements of the book is the inclusion at the beginning of each chapter of important historic events that take place during that time described. It places Frank's life in perspective, and provides an educational aspect, especially for young adult readers. When Frank starts a new business, or reinvents an existing business, knowing what else is happening in the world helps the reader to see how history and current events impact his life. Another favorite aspect of the book were all the photos from Frank's childhood up to the present day. It was interesting to see his relatives, early life in Germany and Israel, as well as other important people in his life. And I especially liked seeing him and his family.
Frank is portrayed as a strong, confident person as a child and into adulthood. The book doesn't often indicate, until the last lines, how much Frank is affected by the way people perceive him because of his accent. From the title, Life With An Accent, I was expecting more sensitivity around this topic. Instead, the book describes Frank's strength, confidence and vision regarding business developments and living life in America, as an American. It is admirable to learn how often Frank reinvents himself as he emigrates to different countries and cultures, overcomes obstacles relating to immigration, and as an adult revises his businesses in response to national and international needs.
This is a loving tribute to Frank Levy, written by his wife.
I was intrigued by the concept of this book - the story of Frank Levy, who as a young child, leaves Nazi Germany for Israel with his Jewish German parents. The rest of his life, wherever he goes, he is always marked by his accent. Frank's wife, Marilyn, is the author of this book, which begins as a biography but later converts to her memoir as it relates to Frank.
One of the best elements of the book is the inclusion at the beginning of each chapter of important historic events that take place during that time described. It places Frank's life in perspective, and provides an educational aspect, especially for young adult readers. When Frank starts a new business, or reinvents an existing business, knowing what else is happening in the world helps the reader to see how history and current events impact his life. Another favorite aspect of the book were all the photos from Frank's childhood up to the present day. It was interesting to see his relatives, early life in Germany and Israel, as well as other important people in his life. And I especially liked seeing him and his family.
Frank is portrayed as a strong, confident person as a child and into adulthood. The book doesn't often indicate, until the last lines, how much Frank is affected by the way people perceive him because of his accent. From the title, Life With An Accent, I was expecting more sensitivity around this topic. Instead, the book describes Frank's strength, confidence and vision regarding business developments and living life in America, as an American. It is admirable to learn how often Frank reinvents himself as he emigrates to different countries and cultures, overcomes obstacles relating to immigration, and as an adult revises his businesses in response to national and international needs.
This is a loving tribute to Frank Levy, written by his wife.
December 3, 2013
In the Prologue to Life with an Accent, author Marilyn Gottlieb shares how documenting her husband Frank Levy’s life evolved from a hobby of corralling keepsakes into a full-blown biography project. When the couple traveled together, Gottlieb delved into Levy’s recollections instead of travel guides so their trips became adventures into his past that “unleashed a flood of details long buried beneath the routine of everyday life.”
Masterfully told by Gottlieb, Levy’s life story is marked by resilience, determination and the inextinguishable light of his heritage. By beginning each chapter with historical highlights, Gottlieb further emphasizes the powerful role of time and place to give the reader a compelling, universal framework for Levy’s personal story.
...read more at UndergroundBookReviews (dot) com
Masterfully told by Gottlieb, Levy’s life story is marked by resilience, determination and the inextinguishable light of his heritage. By beginning each chapter with historical highlights, Gottlieb further emphasizes the powerful role of time and place to give the reader a compelling, universal framework for Levy’s personal story.
...read more at UndergroundBookReviews (dot) com
January 19, 2019
A well-written biography of a fascinating who accomplished much in his life. He adapted to new countries and languages and was successful in a variety of areas. I enjoyed the book.
March 28, 2023
I love other people's stories and hearing of their journey. This was a fun book to read.
October 21, 2013
Looking forward to hearing the author speak this week.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews