Publisher's Synopsis
The protagonist is Adam Gardov, a Soviet citizen of Jewish origin who, in the 1970s, was able to emigrate from the Soviet Union. After leaving Russia, he flew to Austria, where representatives of the Israeli agency Sohnut greeted him and changed plans. He decides, instead of Israel, to continue to the United States. Waiting for an American visa takes six months; during that time, Adam works in Vienna for one of the more odious characters involved in immigration during those years- Madame Betina.
During his six months in Vienna, Adam meets with various people, characters, and destinies. In Austria, he becomes acquainted with his future wife, Nata. He will later send her through the Italian route for immigrants, where she waits for permission to enter America.
Madame Betina (as everyone called her) offers to assist in obtaining an Austrian residence permit, but Adam refuses to accept it. And when he receives his US visa, he does not hesitate to depart to New York-the city of his dreams.
Life in New York presents challenges that are rarely pleasant for foreigners: learning an unfamiliar language, finding an apartment, and finding a job. Quite typically, for many immigrants, a series of changing occupations end with the intent to start a small business. Adam tries to establish a business with former compatriots, but as Russians often say, "the first pancake always does not go so well." It was a failure, and the second attempt was no better. But Adam does not surrender, and while working as a waiter, cashier, and bartender, he cherishes his dream of having his own business in the restaurant sector.
On the bright side are an unexpected second encounter with Nata and the realization that she is his love-his fate is to have a family. They get married and have a daughter.
The story of Adam partly repeats the tortuous journey of other immigrants who have moved from their temporary residence in Europe to the United States. Adaptation, the ups, the downs, family. New hopes. Another attempt to open a new business and a determination to get his place on American soil. However, unlike many, Adam tried not to depend on the grace of fate and worked hard to achieve his dream.
On the bright side are an unexpected second encounter with Nata and the realization that she is his love-his fate is to have a family. They get married and have a daughter. The story of Adam partly repeats the tortuous journey of other immigrants who have moved from their temporary residence in Europe to the United States. Adaptation, the ups, the downs, family. New hopes. Another attempt to open a new business and a determination to get his place on American soil. However, unlike many, Adam tried not to depend on the grace of fate and worked hard to achieve his dream.
