Professor's Book Tells Emigrant Stories

November 30, 2005 == MEDIA ADVISORY

A new book from Calvin professor of English emeritus Henry Baron tells stories
from the past, stories that Baron says still carry important weight today.
Cruel Paradise is subtitled "life stories of Dutch emigrants."

The book, published by Eerdmans, was translated by Baron from the original
stories written by Hylke Speerstra.

Contained in the book's 224 pages are a variety of stories, full of passion
and pathos. Some are inspiring; some are heart-breaking. The tales take place
in a variety of settings - Grand Rapids, Michigan; Oakdale, California; Tampa,
Florida; Jerome, Idaho; Brampton and Waterloo in Ontario, Canada; and even
South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Some tell of those who came to North America, did well for themselves and are
living the immigrant dream. Others tell of struggle and homesickness that never
went away. But, says Baron, in those extremes, and all the territory in
between, are lessons to be learned.

"Immigration stories are universal," he says. "There is a great deal that all
immigrants have in common."

For the full story, including an audio clip (mp3) of Baron reading from the
book, see:
http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/cruel_paradise.htm

See also Eerdmans website at
http://www.eerdmans.com/shop/product.asp?p_key=0802828019

The book is available at the Calvin College Campus Store. Email
campus-store@calvin.edu or call 1-800-748-0122 (toll free in North
America).

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Received on Tue Nov 29 16:03:00 2005