Excavating America (Vintage)
“Digging to America” is a novel by Anne Tyler that explores themes of identity, culture, and family in the context of immigration. Set in Baltimore, the story follows two families – one American and one Iranian – who come together through the adoption of Korean baby girls on the same day at the airport. As the two families navigate their differences and similarities, they are forced to confront their preconceived notions about identity, belonging, and what it means to be American. Through her poignant and perceptive storytelling, Tyler weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, offering readers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of modern immigrant experiences.
Digging to America Plot Summary
“Digging to America” is a novel written by Anne Tyler that explores the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural differences through the story of two families who adopt Korean babies on the same day in 1997.
The novel begins with a description of an annual arrival ceremony held at the Baltimore airport for families who have adopted children from foreign countries. This year, two families, the Donaldsons and the Yazdans, are among those attending the ceremony to welcome their new daughters, Jin-Ho and Susan.
The Donaldsons, Brad and Bitsy, are a wealthy and well-connected couple who have adopted Jin-Ho as their first child. They are excited to introduce her to their family and friends, and eager to give her the best possible life. In contrast, the Yazdans, Sami and Ziba, are a more reserved and traditional Iranian-American couple who have struggled with infertility for years before deciding to adopt Susan. They are somewhat overwhelmed by the new addition to their family, but determined to make her feel loved and welcome.
As the two families begin to navigate the challenges of raising their adopted daughters, they also form a bond with each other. Despite their cultural differences and occasional misunderstandings, they find common ground in their shared experiences of parenting and their love for their children.
The novel follows the two families over the course of several years, as Jin-Ho and Susan grow up and begin to assert their own identities. Jin-Ho, who has taken on the American name of Amy, becomes a confident and outgoing girl who excels in school and sports. Susan, on the other hand, struggles with insecurity and a sense of not belonging, particularly as she begins to question her cultural identity and her place within her adoptive family.
As the girls grow older, the differences between the Donaldsons and the Yazdans become more pronounced. The Donaldsons continue to be socially active and involved in their community, while the Yazdans prefer to keep to themselves and maintain their cultural traditions. Despite their efforts to connect with each other, the families find it increasingly difficult to bridge the gap between their differing backgrounds and values.
The novel also explores the dynamics within each family, as Brad and Bitsy grapple with their own insecurities and Sami and Ziba struggle to communicate effectively with each other. Both couples face challenges in their marriages and in their relationships with their daughters, as they navigate the complexities of raising children who are culturally different from them.
As the story unfolds, the families are forced to confront their prejudices and preconceptions about each other, and to question their own assumptions about identity and belonging. Through their interactions and conflicts, they come to realize that their differences can be sources of strength and connection, rather than division and alienation.
In the end, the novel’s title, “Digging to America,” is revealed to be a metaphor for the characters’ struggles to unearth their own identities and connect with each other. By digging beneath the surface of their cultural differences and prejudices, they are able to find a deeper understanding and acceptance of each other, as well as themselves.
“Digging to America” is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of identity, belonging, and family. Through the stories of the Donaldsons and the Yazdans, Anne Tyler invites readers to consider the ways in which our differences can both challenge and enrich us, and to embrace the connections that can be forged across cultural divides.
Digging to America Key Takeaway
The key takeaway from the book “Digging to America” by Anne Tyler is the theme of cultural assimilation and acceptance. The story revolves around two families, one American and one Iranian, who come together through their adopted daughters and form an unlikely bond.
Through the characters of these two families, the author explores the complexities of assimilating into a new culture while also trying to hold onto one’s own cultural identity. The book highlights the challenges, misunderstandings, and ultimately the beauty that comes from embracing diversity and learning to appreciate the differences that make us unique.
Overall, “Digging to America” teaches us the importance of open-mindedness, empathy, and understanding in forming connections with people from different backgrounds. It reminds us that true acceptance and integration come from mutual respect and a willingness to learn from one another, rather than expecting others to conform to our own beliefs and values.
Conclusion
In Anne Tyler’s novel Digging to America, the lives of two families are intertwined when their adopted Korean daughters arrive on the same flight to America. As the girls grow up, the families navigate the complexities of cultural identity, motherhood, and friendship. In the end, the families come together to celebrate their differences and the bond they share through their shared experiences.
Overall, Digging to America is a touching and thought-provoking story that explores themes of immigration, belonging, and acceptance. Tyler’s masterful storytelling and well-developed characters make the novel an engaging and moving read.
Readers who enjoy literary fiction and stories about family dynamics will appreciate Digging to America. Fans of Anne Tyler’s other works, such as The Accidental Tourist and A Spool of Blue Thread, will also likely enjoy this novel.
Overall, Digging to America is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.
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