They Dream in Gold

simply a gorgeous work about family with fantastic writing and a really fun style. would recommend this one so much. thanks for the arc.

such a beautiful story, I was hung on every single word! Sennaar really captured the familys feelings and belifs and told them in such a heartwarming way I loved ever second of it and cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

I found myself attracted to this book's cover. Each time I look at it I see something new. The author skillfully turned the words into a powerful story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Sennaar has crafted characters that are going to stay with me for a long time.

Beautiful, inspiring novel. I loved the characters and the locations. I found myself comparing these characters to people I know, to their experiences. I loved what the author was able to make me feel and the way I was invested in these characters' lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will look for ore from this author. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher far an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

When I saw the early finished copy of THEY DREAM IN GOLD on the shelf of a local bookstore, I had to buy it. I knew that I was in for a treat based on my reading of SJP Lit’s three other book. I wasn’t wrong.

They Dream in Gold is Mai Sennar’s debut novel, although there is nothing that would make you think this is her first novel. The story has deep, rich characters and a true sense of place — from New York City to Paris to Senegal over various time periods.

The book tells the story of Bonnie and Mansour who meet in a jazz club in New York City in 1968. They are both the product of broken homes — Bonnie in the US/Paris and Mansour in Senegal/Paris. Mansour is a musician with a unique sound. Bonnie falls for him hard and they travel to Paris together. Mansour goes on tour, but does not come back. His family fears him dead, but Bonnie knows he has to be alive to meet the child she is carrying. So, she puts a plan in action to find him.

My favorite part of the book was the back story of both Bonnie and Mansour, leading up to the missing Mansour plot line. Those back stories were so rich, different and engaging. This book is not like anything you have already read.

I’ve read all four of SJP Lit’s offerings thus far and I am waiting for the next to go up on Netgalley. The imprint has an eye for different stories with beautiful writing.

This beautifully written debut novel tells the story of Bonnie and Mansour, who meet in New York at his record label. He is recording a jazz album, she is the artist designing the album cover. They fall in love, she becomes pregnant, and he leaves her with his mother in Switzerland while he tours Europe. Mansour fails to return to Bonnie and a search ensues. The story meanders through time, giving the reader a sense of history. Multiple POVs serve to provide perspective as well as establish connections between the characters. I won't lie--while reading this novel, I had to reorient myself a few times to sort it out. This is a love story, but it is so much more. A really worthwhile read.

They Dream of Gold was a story of how the changing tides of life pull and push us while we're trying to set our feet firmly in the ground. As a debut, this is one of the best I've ever read, the flow from one point-of-view, timeline, and setting to another was tightly held together by the connections between the characters. This type of story could have so easily got away and fell apart but the author's writing style and tone keeps the traveling sands feel discussed in the author's note. I would consider Bonnie our main character and touchstone as she blows into other characters' lives and as she's with them, readers then get tangents into those character lives.

When we enter into Bonnie's life, it's 1969 Switzerland and she's heavily pregnant. Staying at her mother-in-law's home, the household is tense and stressed that they haven't heard from Mansour, Bonnie's husband. He's a musician who's been out on tour and when a radio report comes on that the women fear could hold the answer, Bonnie knows it's time to figure out what happened to Mansour. The story then branches out, giving us Bonnie's childhood, her mother couldn't take care of her when she was younger, so she left Paris to stay with her grandmother in Brooklyn, and then as each character, Bonnie's mother Claudine, Mama Eva, and the other two women staying in Mama Eva's home, Marie and Sokhna, along with Mansour and friends and colleagues Mansour makes along his way and how Bonnie and Mansour met, we flow into each characters' pov and visit their lives at certain times in their history. From 1969 Switzerland, 1949 Senegal, 1927 Alabama, and other times and places, the story manages to give intimate insights into what happened to these characters and how that has shaped and molded them in the 1969 present.

This structure sounds zig zaggy, but I promise it works, we never info dump stay with one character, it's more of a constant flowing around as the present search for Mansour is the central plot line for bringing in and connecting all these characters. As Mansour is a musician and that is a main part of what brought him and Bonnie together, it's all around in the story and what I'd keep in mind if you're more of a linear reader to help you get into the flow of this. There were moments of quiet devastation, fierce love, hope, and strength that will keep you thinking about these characters for a long time. Historical events were in the background and forefront at times to ground the reader in the time and place of the character pov you're reading at the time, adding more layers to the characters. This was an amazing story on how other's not only affect our lives as they come into and leave it, but how we carry and pass on, whether familial, friendship, or romantic, those little grains of emotional experiences from one generation to another. There was so much to experience and feel in this, that I can't recommend it enough.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I adore love stories that are not necessarily about the romantic kind( it did however have romance). They Deam in Gold gave me that feeling that you know this couple and feel the ups and or course downs as they chase their musical dreams around the world.

A powerful debut, They Dream in Gold is a book about who we are as individuals as well as our familial identity. We learn the story of Bonnie and Mansour, alternating perspectives and timelines, going all the way back to the 1920s, until their paths finally cross in the 60s. Traveling the world, we get to know the background of this family until we come to present day, where we know that Mansour has gone missing and Bonnie is anxiously awaiting his return, pregnant with their first child.

While the blurb made this story more mysterious than it actually was, I knew from prior SJP titles that it would likely be heavy on character development and it certainly was. The story itself is quite meandering but the prose is gorgeous and Sennaar paints such a clear picture of who the characters are, that I was heavily invested in the outcome of their story.

Contemplative and throughful, They Dream in Gold is an excellent piece of historical fiction and would be a great book club pick.

Mai Sennaar's debut THEY DREAM IN GOLD show a young couple Bonnie and Mansour and their origin story, including from the perspectives of their caretakers. This novel takes place in several locations: Senegal, Switzerland, and America. Bonnie and Mansour meet when Bonnie is making the cover art for the band Mansour's in. When he goes missing while Bonnie is in the first trimester of her pregnancy, they all must reckon with their pasts.

A novel of identity and belonging, much of this novel is aching. It does have a slower pace, which some readers might not appreciate. I did, as I tend to gravitate toward character-driven novels.

This debut has very strong writing. At times, the narration is more detached than I wanted. I do favor up close and personal narration, but there is a bit of a mystery here so I understand why the author wrote it that way.

I would not hesitate to read the next novel by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. The cover is what captivated me! I am a judge a book by a cover kind of girl. This was my first time reading work by this author and this was a very engaging read with love and flashbacks, multiple POVs well written. Looking forward to see what else is out there by this author.

“They Dream in Gold” is a book of music, love, friendships and new beginnings, The characters are well developed and thoroughly interesting. While I enjoyed reading about Mama, Bonnie and Mansour, the different locales and their journey’s, I found at times that I couldn’t keep track of all the characters and the timelines. I’m usually pretty good with historical fiction that jumps back and forth but this book was a bit disjointed to me. As I got closer to the end, I found I was really liking it! I can see by the majority of the reviews that I’m in the minority re my view. For a debut novel, it definitely hits a lot of high spots ie romance, family, suspense and the jazz/music aspect.
Do I recommend it? Certainly!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC COPY.

I enjoyed so many things about this book. I was entertained from beginning to end as the characters became friends of mine. Great book!!!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review

This is great read. The characters were engaging and I couldn't put the book down. I would recommend this book for a book club or a friend.

An Evocative and Multifaceted Journey Through Love, Loss, and Identity

Mai Sennaar’s debut novel, "They Dream in Gold," is a mesmerizing tapestry that spans continents and decades, weaving together the lives of its characters against the backdrop of the African diaspora. Through lyrical prose and rich storytelling, Sennaar captures the essence of longing, ambition, and the search for belonging in a world marked by cultural upheaval and personal transformation.

Plot Summary:
The novel introduces Bonnie and Mansour, whose fateful meeting in 1968 New York sparks a passionate connection that transcends borders and time. Mansour, a Senegalese musician whose melodies resonate with revolution, takes Bonnie on a journey from Paris to Rio and beyond. However, when Mansour mysteriously disappears during a tour in Spain, Bonnie is left to navigate her own path, carrying the weight of their shared dreams and the hopes of generations of women who came before her. Spanning two decades, "They Dream in Gold" explores the interplay of love, loss, and resilience as Bonnie embarks on a quest to find Mansour and discover her own identity in the process.

Character Development:
Sennaar excels in crafting vivid and multifaceted characters whose journeys unfold with depth and emotional resonance. Bonnie emerges as a resilient protagonist, driven by her love for Mansour and her determination to uncover the truth. Mansour, though absent for much of the narrative, looms large through Bonnie’s memories and reflections, his influence shaping her understanding of love and commitment. The supporting cast, including strong-willed women whose stories intertwine with Bonnie’s, adds layers of complexity and richness to the novel’s exploration of heritage and personal growth.

Themes:
"They Dream in Gold" delves into themes of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the enduring power of music and art in shaping lives. Sennaar’s narrative deftly navigates the complexities of diasporic longing and the quest for self-discovery amid shifting political landscapes and personal upheavals. The novel also examines the impact of historical legacies on individual destinies, highlighting the resilience and determination of characters who strive to carve out their own paths in a world fraught with challenges.

Writing Style:
Mai Sennaar’s writing is luminous and evocative, capturing the vibrancy of each setting—from bustling city streets to intimate, introspective moments. Her prose flows effortlessly, drawing readers into Bonnie’s world and immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of her journey. The narrative is enriched by Sennaar’s lyrical descriptions and keen observations, which evoke a sense of place and time with vivid clarity. The novel’s structure, moving between past and present, enhances the exploration of memory and identity, offering a nuanced portrayal of love’s enduring resonance.

Strengths:
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in Sennaar’s ability to blend historical depth with intimate storytelling, creating a narrative that resonates on both personal and universal levels. The interconnected stories of resilience and hope are woven together with skill and sensitivity, offering a compelling reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of dreams. The novel’s exploration of cultural heritage and the transformative power of love is both poignant and timely, inviting readers to contemplate the intersections of identity and belonging.

Weaknesses:
While "They Dream in Gold" is a beautifully crafted debut, some readers may find the nonlinear structure and shifting perspectives challenging to follow at times. Additionally, certain plot developments, particularly those involving secondary characters, may feel rushed or underexplored. However, these minor drawbacks do not diminish the overall impact of the novel’s ambitious scope and thematic depth.

Conclusion:
"They Dream in Gold" is a captivating debut that showcases Mai Sennaar’s talent for storytelling and her ability to evoke profound emotions through her characters’ journeys. With its lyrical prose, rich cultural tapestry, and resonant themes of love and legacy, this novel is a compelling exploration of identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you’re drawn to stories of love and loss, interested in exploring diverse cultural landscapes, or simply appreciate evocative literary fiction, "They Dream in Gold" is a standout novel that will leave a lasting impression.

Recommended for:
Fans of literary fiction with richly drawn characters and immersive settings, readers interested in diasporic narratives and cultural exploration, and anyone looking for a poignant and beautifully written debut novel. Mai Sennaar’s "They Dream in Gold" is a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the human spirit, offering a compelling journey through love, music, and the pursuit of belonging.

This was a great book. I loved the theme. I loved the way it was written and the way the words flowed.

This is a love story, this is a jazz story, this is a story of America and of trying to claw your way out of poverty.
When Bonnie and Mansour meet in New York in 1968 they are tied together forever. Through snippets and flashbacks and multiple POVs, Mai Sennaar creates a love song to those who believe in true romance and of perseverance. I loved all of the voices and the easy way I fell into each person's tale. Mai Sennaar is an amazing talent!

A sprawling story of intercontinental travel, this is an intergenerational tale that should be produced on the big screen!
#zando #sjplit #africandiaspora #maisennaar #theydreamingold #bestdebut

I normally don't read historical fiction, but I found this to be a very powerful debut. This was honestly a lot more epic and sweeping of a journey than I was entirely expecting from the synopsis, and I found the unique narrative conceit behind this book to be really compelling (I wasn't entirely sold on it until I was actually reading it, but now that I have read it, that feels like the correct way for this story to play out). This was a pleasant surprise, and upon publication, I'm looking forward to directing people toward it.