Chapter 9, America, at Last, Epilogue Summary and Analysis

When they arrived in New York City, they went to Tante Clara's small, clean apartment in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Marion remembered being in a state of awe as the tall buildings, bustling streets and loud subways. She quickly befriended her cousin Helga. Marion's first consumer pleasure in the U.S. was the abundance of chewing gum.

The Blumenthals could not stay with Tante Clara. The HIAS or Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, found them a temporary residence hotel in Manhattan. They lived in one room and Albert and Marion indulged in American food. Marion put went from thirty-five pounds in 1945 to one hundred and thirty-five pounds in 1948. While they were enjoying themselves, Ruth knew no English, had no job skills and feared for their future. HIAS found them a permanent place to live in...