"American in the Making, the Life Story of an Immigrant" by Marcus Eli Ravage is a powerful and poignant memoir that chronicles the author's journey from his native Russia to America. Through his firsthand account, Ravage provides an intimate and detailed look at the challenges and triumphs of the immigrant experience.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Ravage's vivid descriptions of the hardships he faced as an immigrant in a new and unfamiliar land. His struggles to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language, and navigate the complex social systems of America are both moving and insightful. Through his narrative, Ravage sheds light on the often overlooked difficulties faced by immigrants as they strive to build a new life for themselves and their families.

Despite the many obstacles he encountered, Ravage's determination and resilience shine through in his memoir. His unwavering commitment to achieving the American dream serves as an inspiring example for readers from all walks of life. Through his words, Ravage reminds us of the importance of perseverance, courage, and hope in the face of adversity.

Overall, "American in the Making, the Life Story of an Immigrant" is a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience in America. Ravage's compelling storytelling and honest reflections make this memoir a captivating and enlightening read that will resonate long after the final page is turned.

Book Description:
“The sweat-shop was for me the cradle of liberty. . . It was my first university.” Attending lectures and the New York theatre at night; by day sewing sleeves into shirts in a ghetto shop, Marcus Eli Ravage (1884-1965) began his transformation from “alien” to American. His 1917 autobiography is a paean to the transformative power of education. Ravage emigrated from Rumania in 1900, at the age of 16. After working for several years as a “sleever” to save money, he enrolls in the University of Missouri (the least expensive school he can find), where culture shock overwhelms him at first. “I was not sure whether it was a pig or a sheep that bleated, whether clover was a plant and plover a bird, or the other way around.” But he adapts, and eventually embraces “the bigger and freer world” outside the immigrant ghetto. He writes that, because of his university experience, he was no longer “a man without a country.” He had become an American.