Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue has received acclaim for its vivid portrayal of immigrant life and the American Dream's complexities, characterized by strong storytelling and rich character development. However, some critics note it can be predictable and overly reliant on melodrama. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling, empathetic narrative on socio-economic issues.

Readers who appreciate Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue tend to enjoy immersive immigrant stories, complex family dynamics, and themes of aspiration and hardship. Fans of books like Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri will find a similar resonance in Mbue's poignant narrative.

Behold the Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue, follows two families in New York during the 2008 recession: the Jongas, Cameroonian immigrants struggling with visa issues and economic hardship, and the wealthy, troubled Edwardses, grappling with personal and financial crises. Jende Jonga becomes the chauffeur for Clark Edwards, intertwining the lives and challenges faced by both families. The novel contains depictions of substance abuse, domestic violence, and infidelity.

Emotional / Inspirational / Bittersweet / Hopeful / Contemplative

Imbolo Mbue

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Behold the Dreamers reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Behold the Dreamers | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Mbue’s award-winning novel explores the evolution of the American Dream in the 21st century. Learn more with this summary of Behold the Dreamers.

Behold the Dreamers Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Epigraph-Chapter 9

Get ready to explore Behold the Dreamers and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Behold the Dreamers Epigraph-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-16

Behold the Dreamers Chapters 10-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-25

Behold the Dreamers Chapters 17-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-39

Behold the Dreamers Chapters 26-39 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 40-55

Behold the Dreamers Chapters 40-55 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 56-62

Behold the Dreamers Chapters 56-62 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Behold the Dreamers Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Behold the Dreamers Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Behold the Dreamers Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Behold the Dreamers Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Behold the Dreamers Essay Topics

Behold the Dreamers

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Behold the Dreamers?

Reading Age