• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2017 September #2
  *Starred Review* The oft-heard truth that America is a country of immigrants comes alive in Riva's grand tale of Giovanna, an Italian who emigrates to America as a young bride in 1913. Her transformation into Jane is not just the story of her ambitions and adjustments but also those of her husband, John, and their extended circle of friends in Highland Park, outside Detroit, including German Hannah and Fritz, Austrian Rudy, Polish Carl and Peter, Romanian Stan, and English Jimmy. The excitement of the age is manifest in the pride of the Ford family of employees and in their thrill at establishing life in a new place. Riva's flair for recreating the drama of such moments as the iceman's delivery and her nuanced capturing of the insecurities of naturalized immigrants combine to create a vivid reading experience. Here we see America's growing splendor across four decades and relive the tremendous social and industrial developments. As the final chapters address the growing reality and impact of intolerance and fascism during WWII, Riva, who, as Marlene Dietrich's daughter, has a keen sense of the past, offers a timely and riveting reminder of the often-overlooked lessons of history in this vital tapestry of American immigrant life. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.

Maria Riva was born in Berlin in 1924 and is the only child of Marlene Dietrich.  Maria performed in Germany and Italy as part of a USO troupe during World War II and taught acting at Fordham University upon her return to the United States.  She has performed on Broadway, radio, television, and film and has been nominated for an Emmy. Maria continues an active life in California and spends time visiting her sons and grandchildren.

Maria Riva was born in Berlin in 1924 and is the only child of Marlene Dietrich. Maria performed in Germany and Italy as part of a USO troupe during World War II and taught acting at Fordham University upon her return to the United States. She has performed on Broadway, radio, television, and film and has been nominated for an Emmy. Maria continues an active life in California and spends time visiting her sons and grandchildren.