Looking for the Enter Sign: A Jewish Immigration Story

by Alexandra Retana

A TALE OF PERSEVERANCE, SACRIFICE, AND HOPE Sasha's childhood in Leningrad was happy, sheltered, and in may ways, privileged. But, in the fall of 1989, just as she finds herself on the brink of adolescence, her secure existence is pulled out from under her. Amid the chaos caused by the impending collapse of the Soviet Union, her family joins the millions of Jews fleeing the country to seek asylum in the US. Written with care, razor-sharp wit, and an eye for detail, Looking for the Enter Sign paints a heartwarming picture of a family in transit, tracing their steps from their home in Leningrad across Europe to their final destination in Boston. The book explores culture shock, belonging, Jewish identity in the Diaspora, and the meaning of family and friends in times of hardship. Most of all, Looking for the Enter Sign is a story about coming of age under uncertain circumstances, as every stop along Sasha's journey marks an increasing awareness of the baffling and sometimes cruel realities of a grown-up world.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2020

Reviews

[Nelly Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in just 2 days. I found it particularly meaningful because my family also left Russia for America in the 1980’s. I was only 5 at the time so didn’t fully understand what was happening. Reading this brought more clarity and understanding for me. I really enjoyed Sasha’s perspective.

[H.M. Gooden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about a young girls journey from Russia to America. Told from the point of view of the main character, I felt as if I was experiencing her voyage with her.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful memoir of the immigration experience, starting in 1989, of an 11 year old Russian Jewish girl and her family. The book recounts the deeply rooted antisemitism in Russia, the endless and arbitrary bureaucratic demands inflicted on those seeking to emigrate. Through it all, the family is resilient and resourceful in “managing,” to overcome obstacles every step of the way. They are aided by a network of friends, relatives, “landsman,” and various Jewish charitable organizations. The writer captures the psyche of her 11 year old self with humor and perceptive.

[Terri's Dangerous When Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so caught up in Alexandra Retana's story. First I learned a lot about Russia, then I learned a lot about Vienna, then I learned a lot about Italy, and on top of all that I learned some of what it must feel like to emigrate. My heart went out to the people in the book so many times. This is a coming of age story with historical significance. The writing style is excellent. The author's "writing voice" is so likable and engaging. I was sad when the story came to an end, but I am so happy that the family survived and thrived.

[Cassie Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The reader is taken on a journey, and you can feel the emotions of the life changing events experienced by the author. Everyone - Jewish or not - will be able to relate to the author’s fears, excitements, and confusions of being thrust into a new culture, area, and age. Just imagine being so young and having to experience so much and still be a kid! Don’t hesitate to add this to your reading list.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by my former class mate back then in the Soviet Union. The description of the Leningrad in the 80s, which is made from a 11 y old girl’s perspective is so accurate (exactly the way I remember it) and the narrative voice so convincing.