The Immigrants by Wendy Lowenstein and Morag Loh

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Dust jacket has light creasing at edges and spine. Dust jacket is now enclosed in a glossy protective cover. Interior and binding are still excellent.

They came to Australia between 1890 and 1970 - 17 of them. They came from Austria, China, England, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Palestine, Scotland, Spain and Yugoslavia. Australia was the land of their dreaming. What was the reality? They tell their own story in their own words. One of the says: 'They say it's a curse for a person to have 2 countries. Others say it's a benefit because you live 2 lives... a curse and a benefit. I believe it's both.'

The book contains recollections of immigrants to Australia between 1890 and 1970, revealing a journey from hope to hardship, defined by long sea voyages, strict assimilation, and the "Ten Pound Pom" era. Experiences ranged from pre-WWI British migration to post-WWII European reconstruction, often involving stays in cramped, isolated migrant hostels.

They tell their own stories of immigration: the hopes and the dreams, the reasons for emigrating, describe Australia and the Australians and the fellow immigrants they meet and finally the profit and loss. Was it worthwhile?