You Could Lose an Eye

A fond and funny memoir, this account of a Jewish immigrant household in Montreal traces the family's journey from wretched oppression to middle class comfort. Arriving Canada in the early 1920s, they struggle to learn two new languages and adapt to a new political, economic, and not always welcoming social culture. It recounts how, undeterred, Ma establishes her dynasty at home and Pa builds his business, and by the time their son embarks on his architectural career, they are firm believers in freedom and aspiration—and in keeping alive in memory those Jews who were denied such joys.