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Within a Shadow
To Save a Life follows two young Jewish immigrants who have fled the violence of Eastern Europe, one escaping an arranged marriage and the other a past that haunts him. Where did the idea for this book come from?
Years ago, I visited the Orchard Street Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and marveled at how the immigrants who’d lived in those apartments managed to hatch grand dreams in matchbox-sized rooms. More recently, the public outpouring of xenophobia and bigotry toward immigrants reminded me of that visit, and I decided to write about the early 1900s, when my grandparents came to America. As I believe that shame is the most potent motivator, I wondered what would happen if two immigrants carried secrets that prevented them from living full lives in their new country–and I had my premise.
How much and what type of research went into putting this book together?
I relied on diaries, contemporary newspaper articles and photographs, books published a decade or two after the early 1900s, and modern secondary sources about life on the Lower East Side. I also found books explaining the background of popular music, the Yiddish theater, or the garment workers’ union, aspects of my story. As a novelist, if I can see my characters, no matter where they go and what they do, I’ve done enough research; if they seem to move and speak within a shadow, that tells me I don’t know what I’m talking about and have to read more.
How did you decide on the title of this novel?
I took it from a famous Talmudic verse that says–I’m paraphrasing–that if you save a life, it’s as if you saved the world. Two secondary characters quote this verse, from different perspectives, but the title also figures metaphorically. My main characters seek emotional or spiritual rescue, and they try to understand what that means for them.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m working on a Holocaust novel, a literary thriller based on a true story, in which three men try to stop a train headed to Auschwitz–with a lantern, pliers, and one pistol among them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Substack | Amazon
In 1909, Malka Kaminsky steals her dowry to flee Russia and an arranged marriage, arriving in New York hungry for freedom. Drawn into the hustle of the Golden Land, Malka joins a sweatshop strike and is nearly beaten by thugs, but a stranger and fellow Russian Jew, Yaakov Rogovin, rescues her. Malka doesn’t thank him, refusing to acknowledge her debt, but when chance brings Yaakov to her Sabbath table, they laugh and trade warm glances—only to deny their mutual attraction. After all, they carry deep scars from Russia, where admitting to desires always led to heartache. But as they strive to become entrepreneurs—Yaakov as a musician, Malka as a dressmaker—they hope that independence will show them how to live unafraid, despite the past. And they will need that lesson soon, because when Malka’s fiancé arrives, determined to reclaim her, she seeks Yaakov’s help, neither of them aware what fighting for their dreams will cost.
To Save a Life
To Save a Life is a historical novel set in early 1900s New York, chronicling the intersecting journeys of Malka Kaminsky and Yaakov Rogovin—two young Jewish immigrants who have fled trauma, violence, and constraint in Eastern Europe. Malka escapes an arranged marriage in Grodno, stealing her dowry in the process, while Yaakov leaves Valozyn, carrying the weight of a haunted past. As they struggle to carve out lives of meaning and agency in the Lower East Side’s chaotic tenements and sweatshops, they find themselves drawn together in a tentative alliance that flirts with hope, love, and the idea of starting anew in a land that promises much but delivers on its own terms.
This book left me both emotionally shaken and deeply moved. Zuckerman’s writing is textured and rich, never rushing, always letting the weight of the moment hang in the air. His depiction of early 20th-century immigrant life doesn’t glamorize struggle—it holds it close, like a bruise you can’t ignore. The scenes of factory labor and violent crackdowns on striking workers burned bright with tension. And yet, it’s the quieter moments—Malka rolling noodles, Yaakov pressing coats while humming a tune—that linger. They feel relatable. I also loved how layered the characters are. Malka’s shame, rage, and tenderness are all tightly wound; Yaakov hides behind music and wit, but you can sense his wounds pulsing underneath. They’re both survivors, just barely hanging on, and their tentative trust feels earned, not forced.
At times, the novel slows a little more than I’d like, especially in some of the reflective passages. But even then, there’s something refreshing about the patience of Zuckerman’s prose. He lets his characters breathe. I found myself unexpectedly teary during the scenes where Malka reflects on the home she fled. There’s a raw honesty to those passages that hit hard. And the subtle Jewish references—Mishnah, Shabbos, old-world customs clashing with American hustle—ground the story with authenticity without weighing it down.
This novel isn’t just for lovers of historical fiction. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt like a stranger in their own skin or tried to build a new life out of broken pieces. Readers who cherish character-driven stories, especially those rooted in immigrant narratives and quiet acts of rebellion, will find a lot to hold on to here. To Save a Life is tender, brutal, and hopeful in equal measure—a heartfelt reminder that surviving is one thing, but daring to live is something else entirely.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0F2X1RB6F
American Salvation: How Immigrants Made America Great
American Salvation, by Gregg Coodley, offers a fascinating exploration of the critical role immigrants have played in shaping the United States. The book delves into their contributions across a wide range of fields, from the American Revolution and the Civil War to the country’s financial system, economy, and human rights movements. Coodley also highlights the impact immigrants have had on entertainment, science, technology, and literature. He traces the origins of these immigrants, including those from Germany, Ireland, Scandinavia, Latin America, Mexico, and beyond, while emphasizing their influence on the development of the nation. The author also does not shy away from the hardships they faced, such as the appalling conditions Irish immigrants endured, leading to widespread illness and death, or the anti-Chinese riots in California in 1858. Coodley further explores the various attempts to limit immigration and offers evidence of how immigrants have been key drivers in America’s growth.
This book is a well-researched piece of expository non-fiction, with Coodley laying out clear evidence to support his central argument: immigration has been overwhelmingly positive for the United States. The text is full of examples that showcase the numerous ways immigrants have enriched the country. One of the most compelling aspects is the way Coodley tackles the racist fears of those who opposed immigration, arguing that rather than weakening the country, immigrants helped it thrive. For instance, Alexander Stewart, an immigrant, established a booming dry goods store in New York, employing thousands at its peak. This is just one of many examples the author uses to demonstrate that immigrants did far more than take low-paying jobs—they built businesses, created jobs, and became pillars of the community.
The specificity and attention to detail in American Salvation are commendable. Coodley meticulously includes dates, time periods, and thorough source citations, enhancing the text’s credibility and reinforcing the depth of his research. He also provides a well-rounded perspective by covering the experiences of multiple immigrants, rather than focusing solely on their successes. This breadth and depth offer a comprehensive look at the immigrant experience in America. However, I did feel that the book’s paragraphs were a bit too brief. While the content was engaging, I found myself wishing for more detailed explorations of certain topics.
American Salvation, by Gregg Coodley, is a valuable read for anyone interested in the history of immigration in America and its undeniable impact on the country’s success. Coodley’s thorough research and balanced approach make it a compelling and informative text, though readers may find themselves wanting deeper dives into certain sections. If you’re looking to understand how immigrants have shaped America, this book is well worth your time.
Pages: 397 | ASIN : B0DCDNH7N3
LITERARY TITAN 