Let us Begin is a bittersweet story of what the American Dream is really like for some people. Julia has a beautiful way bringing her characters to life and engaging her readers! The story revolves around Salvador, a young immigrant from Argentina who dreams of making it big in America and first lands in New York City. He marries his long-time sweetheart and together, they start a new life in America. What follows is a whirlwind of setbacks due to poor decisions, bad luck and just life itself! What an incredible story of love, perseverance and yes, even a bit mental/emotional instability. I highly recommend anything by Julia Amante!

Salvador is a young man from Argentina who has ambitions to succeed in America. “Let Us Begin” takes readers on a captivating journey through his life. The novel, which is set in the middle of the 20th century, captures Salvador’s tenacity, his sacrifices, and the complicated realities of pursuing the enigmatic American dream.

When Salvador hears President Kennedy’s motivational words, they set the course of his journey. He makes the decision to leave his comfortable surroundings behind and set out on a life-altering adventure because he thinks that the United States is a land of opportunity. Salvador eagerly departs for New York, where he begins to pursue the American dream and later on Luisa will follow.

Salvador’s early struggles in New York are expertly described by the author as he negotiates the difficulties encountered by immigrants. Salvador moves in with Pepa’s sister and her husband after succeeding in getting a job at a restaurant that will help him advance in his career. He keeps in touch with his family back home by writing them loving letters that reassure them of his safety despite the uncertainties of his new life.

Salvador becomes enchanted by the allure of New York as he adjusts there, and he gradually accumulates the funds to bring Luisa over. With Salvador obtaining his residency and then securing an apartment, their union brings about a newfound stability. Salvador and Luisa find comfort in making friends and building a support network in their adopted nation after meeting Mateo and his girlfriend, Camila.

Salvador gives in to the temptation of the big city and this is where his life begins to take a turn. He begins to compromise his moral standards in the name of success after realizing that the American dream might not come as easily as he had anticipated. Due to guilt and his concern about disappointing his wife, he hides the extent of his actions from Luisa.

Salvador’s immigrant experience is deftly captured in the book, highlighting the difficulties and costs he faces in his quest for success. Salvador’s journey exemplifies the harsh reality that many immigrants who seek a better life must endure through a variety of menial jobs and fleeting successes. The story examines the idea of compromise and the lengths people will go to, even if it means compromising their morality, in order to accomplish their objectives.

Salvador’s determination to build a better life for himself clashes with the harsh realities he encounters as his life takes unexpected turns.

The story the author skillfully spins, explores the psychological and emotional costs associated with pursuing the American dream. The story confronts the harsh reality of what Salvador must give up for success.

A moving and thought-provoking book called “Let Us Begin” describes the difficulties that immigrants face while trying to build a better life for themselves. It explores themes of sacrifice, resiliency, and the unfulfilled promises of the American dream while capturing the essence of the immigrant experience. Readers are compelled to consider the complexities of individual ambition and the true cost of success through Salvador’s journey.

In general, “Let Us Begin” offers a gripping story that stays with readers long after it has ended. For those interested in learning more about the complexities of the pursuit of happiness and all that this entails, this novel is a compelling read thanks to the author’s vivid storytelling and accurate depiction of Salvador’s immigrant experience. A fantastic tale. I heartily endorse this book.