A Complex Refugee Tale with Unfulfilled Promise

Boris Fishman’s new book follows a family that leaves a war-torn country for a shot at asylum in the United States.

Boris Fishman’s Third Novel “The Unwanted” and Its Story of a Refugee Family

Fishman’s earlier works were characterized by engaging narratives set within the Soviet Jewish immigrant communities, showcasing his ability to interweave humor with poignant themes. This juxtaposition of light and heavy elements created a captivating and relatable reading experience that resonated with many. However, “The Unwanted” takes a different approach, shifting away from that familiar style and experimenting with a more restrained tone. This shift may be an attempt to address the complexities of the refugee experience with the gravity it deserves, but it has led to mixed results. The novel’s somber prose aims to reflect the seriousness of its themes but sometimes stifles the liveliness that marked his previous books. Despite this shift in tone, Fishman’s intent to convey the refugee journey as more than a mere struggle for survival is evident, though the execution may leave readers yearning for the emotional depth they have come to expect from his work.

Character Development and Narrative Challenges

The novel’s attempts at maintaining ambiguity around its setting and characters restrict the depth with which Fishman can explore their identities. While the story hints at real-world conflicts and discrimination, it doesn’t fully commit to these themes, leaving the reader craving more context and detail. This lack of specificity not only limits the narrative but also hinders the emotional connection the audience might form with the characters. Without a strong cultural or historical foundation, the characters seem stripped of the nuances that might otherwise make them more relatable and compelling. This choice by Fishman, though likely intended to offer a universal allegory, ultimately falls short in giving substance to the characters’ experiences and their broader world.

Challenges in Character Exploration and Cultural Identity

The narrative journey of “The Unwanted” attempts to bridge the personal and the universal, capturing the challenges faced by refugees without tying them to a specific cultural or historical context. This choice, while aiming to create a universally relatable experience, has the unintended effect of stripping the protagonists of a distinct cultural identity. The result is a story that lacks the depth and authenticity one might expect from a tale of displacement. Fishman’s decision to leave the details of the characters’ backgrounds vague keeps the reader at a distance, unable to fully grasp the nuances of their experiences. The novel strives to highlight the plight of refugees but struggles to provide the rich, textured understanding of its characters that might have lent it greater emotional and narrative power.

Inquiry into Cultural Identity in “The Unwanted”

In the end, “The Unwanted” leaves readers with a sense of frustration due to its deliberate vagueness and unfulfilled potential. While Boris Fishman aims to create a nuanced portrayal of refugee experiences, the lack of specificity regarding the characters’ cultural background undermines the narrative’s depth and resonance. Despite good intentions, the novel struggles to provide a compelling and insightful exploration of identity and belonging. As such, it highlights the challenging balance between universal themes and specific storytelling, ultimately leaving its audience wanting more substance from its talented author.