Golda and her sister Esther come to America for a better life and to reunite Esther with her husband Ben who arrived earlier. Esther dies during childbirth but the baby Morty survives without a mother, so Gloria marries Ben so they are a family.
Times are very tough during the early part of the 20th century in Brooklyn New York, but they survive and try to make a better life for themselves. After they get married another son is born but dies during his illness that took so many other life's.
The story continues as Morty grows up and sets his sight on going to college and becoming an engineer. Times get really tough with the great depression and Ben is behind on rent and is desperate for money and Morty arranges for a loan to bail him out from a friend who is connected to the mafia. Things spiral out of control and Morty gets involved with the underworld and desperately tries to get away from this horrendous nightmare and has a steep price to pay.
This historical novel is so well written and one of the best books I have thoroughly enjoyed in years. Don't miss reading this gem.
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*4.5 stars *

It’s the early 20th century and emigrants from various parts of the world are setting sail with dreams of a new life in America. For some though, the dream has ended before they even reach their destination. This then is the backdrop for Street Corner Dreams.

Golda comes to America just before WWI, but before her dreams can even begin to take shape, she has to marry her widowed brother-in-law Ben, after her sister Esther dies aboard the ship giving birth to her and Ben’s son, Morty.

Living in Brooklyn they’re aware of the various gangs, the ones who demand protection money and carry out many illegal activities, but as long as they keep their heads down, the gangs won’t bother them, will they?

Ben, Golda and Morty live a simple life, and although they’re not well off, they managed to live within their means. However, as the Great Depression hits, things become increasingly desperate for Ben and he makes a decision that will alter his family’s life forever!

Gosh, this was an engaging and heartfelt portrayal of a Jewish family trying to make the best of a life thousands of miles from their home in Poland, trying to fit in and make sense of other cultures and religions. It follows the family right up until Morty is well into his twenties. The characters were realistic in their portrayal of this era and the difficulties they faced. It is a story of family duty, responsibility, love and secrets. Excellent. Highly recommended.