Cape Verde: Other American Dreams

Other American Dreams

by Sergio F. Monteiro

Set in the archipelago country of Cape Verde off the western coast of Africa, Other American Dreams shows the sordid side of immigration.  Through the dark tale of how Cape Verdean authorities respond to a ship full of dead migrants washing onto its shores, Monteiro highlights the vulnerabilities of the world's citizens who are either without a home or in desperate need of a better, safer home.  This novel juxtaposes the stories of two young Cape Verdeans who have returned home after attempting to immigrate to America and, of course, of the dead migrants whose efforts were less successful.  Most Americans have never heard of Cape Verde, or if they have, are unaware of where it's located on the globe, who its people are, or what it may have to offer.  It is so interesting that this tiny little nation of islands has big problems with "illegal" immigration, just like the United States and other developed countries.  

Monteiro wraps up these important and compelling themes in a somewhat mediocre plot involving drugs, corruption, and human trafficking.  I did not particularly enjoy this book, to be honest.  

However, I like the heck out of Monteiro as a person, based on the little bit I've read about him.

Apparently, as a child growing up in Cape Verde, he witnessed migrants arriving by sea.  In a September 2015 review of the book, Monteiro is quoted saying, "I saw them come in shocked, malnourished, sometimes bruised.  And I saw the aftermath of how their lives evolved after they made it to Cape Verde.  Some did well and others didn't."  Monteiro found their plight so compelling that he donates 20% of his book sale proceeds to Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS,) a non-profit organization that conducts search and rescue missions to save refugees who are dangerously trying to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats.  Take a look at MOAS's website.  Pretty inspiring stuff.  Anyone who uses his own success to contribute to the well-being of others, as Monteiro has, gets an A+ in my book.  Pun intended.  

Reminds me of my fellow blogger, the Book Trekker, who includes a charitable donation towards something important in every country that she reads for her blog.  Kinda makes you feel a little better about the world, doesn't it?