Lately our evenings have been occupied by a wonderful book published by Strong Learning, Inc. that I have been reading aloud. This book, Bessie’s Pillow, is the true story of an American immigrant, Boshka “Bessie” Markman who comes to America in 1906.
The book begins with 18 year old Boshka Markman preparing to leave her family. She grew up in Glubokoye,Lithuania, which was previously an independent nation but at the time that she left, was part of the Russian empire. Because Boshka and her family are Jewish, they suffer much persecution. They decide it is better for her to make the long journey to America alone than to stay in her home country.
Before Boshka leaves in 1906, a woman gives her a pillow and asks her to deliver it to her son who is already in America. Boshka agrees that she will try to find Nathan Dreizen when she reaches America. She has no idea how much that pillow will change her life.
Boshka was fortunate enough to travel first class on the steamship. Her family felt that even though it was much more expensive it would be much safer for a young woman who was traveling alone. She was to find her older sister, Lillian, upon her arrival to New York.
Boshka is renamed upon her arrival to America and soon becomes known as Bessie. Bessie finds that her sister’s husband is less than pleasant. Thankfully, she had a back up plan; if it didn’t work to live with her sister, then Boshka was to contact some friends who also lived in New York that had immigrated there from Glubokoye previously. She realizes immediately that it is best if she goes to her friends’ house. She is thankful that they welcome her into their home.
Bessie is determined to make her own way in the new country. She works hard to learn English and find a job that will provide her with the means of making her way.
The book follows Bessie’s life and it’s up and downs up to the marriage of her oldest daughter in 1936.
What a wonderful gift Bessie’s diaries and stories have given not only her family but other families as well! While reading the book, we feel as though we are right there beside Bessie who is telling us about her day. We celebrate her victories and feel the pain as she mourns.
There is also a website, Bessie’s America, which provides valuable educational resources to help understand those European Immigrants who made the decision to come to America. There are also links that provide information about Famous People during Bessie’s lifetime. Experience recipes that Bessie enjoyed including Baked Alaska.
Connect with Bessie’s Pillow on These Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BessiesPillow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BessiesPillow @BessiesPillow
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Blessings,
Jennifer
So glad that you and your family enjoyed my grandmother’s story and learned much about the world she lived in through the book and Bessie’s America. By the way, as I wrote it, I too laughed and cried even though I knew the story.
Dr. Linda
Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog! I bet you did laugh and cry while writing it, a beautiful story indeed.