chukwuemekailouno

 Greener Pastures- the travails of an African Immigrant in the United States of America.

This book has some  important sociological lessons to teach all, especially those wishing to emigrate to the developed countries of USA and Western Europe.

In the case of Larry, who left his teaching job in Africa for life in the USA, he had to learn first hand, what it means to experience a culture shock! Thus, though he may have been happy initially to be leaving Africa for a new life in the USA , he quickly went into some frustration, as he could not secure a commensurate employment , even with a doctor of philosophy degree from one of African's top universities. Even when he secures some part-time teaching job in a public school, he discovers that the students do not trust him, and so did not accord him any respect. Thus, he was constantly taunted for his accent and place of origin by the kids and adults alike. 

The other source of frustration was from his Americanized spouse, as well as his mother-in-law, as both women despised him and treated him as a menial hand, instead of a spouse and son-in-law.

With the passage of time, though, Larry began to adapt to his new environment.  Through a net-work of friends, mostly other immigrants from Africa, he was able to adapt to his new environment. He would quickly find an alternative accommodation separate from that of Gina, his detractor of a wife, as well as Angelina, his insatiable mother-in-law.

Now, many years later, Larry is in the fourth and last stage of a culture shock- the acceptance stage!. Today, Larry has accepted his new country- the United States of America, and he is going about his normal life just like the rest of the populace.  

This book, Greener Pastures, is a tip of the ice berg regarding Larry's sojourn in a distant and strange land, a life that is very different from the one he was raised in back home in Africa.

Chukwuemeka Ilouno. Dallas, TX.