Category: BEOpicks

by Amets Arzallus and Ibrahima Balde

This book, written by Basque Bertsolari Amets Arzallus and refugee Ibrahima Balde, tells the story of Balde’s journey through West Africa in search of his younger brother. While he endured hunger, heat, human trafficking, and torture during his travels, he was still able to embrace the different customs and languages and develop friendships with people who ultimately helped him on his journey despite those adversities. This true story of determination and perseverance eventually lead him to Europe and “is a deeply moving, eye-opening novel that gives voice and a face to the refugee crisis.”

by Jeronima Echeverria

Jeronima Echeverria provides a detailed understanding of why Basque boardinghouses, or “ostatuak,” were created and the importance of their operation to the immigrants who came to the United States.  She continues by sharing the history of each geographical location where the various ostatuak operated, providing historical references on locations, owners, boardinghouse layouts, and, where possible, personal recollections from boarders. This book provides a wonderful historical account and research of 500+ ostatuak between 1860 and 1950. The book is available to borrow from our library or available for purchase on Amazon.

by Dale Erquiaga

“To the wives!” This beautifully written novel opens with a recounting of a story involving this simple wedding toast, a signal to the reader that what follows is a tribute to the strength of women, the power of familial bonds, and the tenacity of the human spirit. Part fiction, part memoir, and part historical account, this Basque author tells the compelling and memorable story of three pivotal matriarchal figures in his family. Told through a series of vivid vignettes spanning countries, decades, and generations, the experiences of the these women are brought to life, evoking the hopes, challenges, successes, heartbreak, and emotions of the immigrant experience. Three Wives’ Tales is a worthwhile, heartfelt novel that honors and celebrates the importance of family and the courage and determination of the human will.

*This book will soon be available in the BEO’s library. Check it out HERE. If you’re not finding it, CLICK HERE to SEND US AN EMAIL and let us know you’re interested in borrowing this book.