South Lebanon, Ohio, United State
At a time when conversations about immigration, identity, and belonging continue to shape the national dialogue, They Call It English by Beverly H. Smolyansky offers a deeply personal reminder of what the American Dream has meant to generations of newcomers.
Told through the eyes of a young child, the book recounts the remarkable true story of a Jewish family fleeing the Soviet Union in search of freedom and opportunity in the United States. What makes the story particularly compelling is its simplicity. Rather than focusing on politics or ideology, it captures the world as a child experiences it through moments of fear, wonder, confusion, and hope.
The journey begins when the family makes the life-altering decision to leave the USSR, a move that carries significant risks. Forced to leave behind their home, possessions, and familiar way of life, they embarked on an uncertain path toward a future they could only imagine. The decision was driven by a desire for religious freedom and the opportunity to build a better life for their children.
Along the way, the family faced countless challenges. From encounters with armed soldiers to long periods of uncertainty in Italy while awaiting visas, every step required resilience and faith. Yet amid the hardships, the story shines with moments of childhood innocence. A toy airplane on a beach, a glimpse of the Pope in Vatican City, and the excitement of experiencing new cultures and languages.
When the family finally arrived in America, their challenges were far from over. Settling in Cincinnati with limited resources, they had to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Like many immigrant families before them, they faced language barriers, financial struggles, and the difficult task of adapting to a new culture.
What ultimately transformed the experience was education and language. The book’s title stems from one pivotal moment when the young protagonist struggles to communicate with American children. His mother gently explains that the unfamiliar words he hears are simply “English.” That realization becomes a gateway to friendship, belonging, and opportunity.
The story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every immigration statistic is a family willing to risk everything for a chance at a better future. It highlights the sacrifices parents make, the adaptability of children, and the enduring values that have defined countless American success stories.
For readers of all ages, They Call It English offers more than a memoir. It is a celebration of courage, perseverance, and the transformative power of hope. In an era when immigration stories often become political talking points, Beverly H. Smolyansky brings readers back to what matters most: the human experience.
The book’s message is timeless. Freedom is rarely free. Opportunity often requires sacrifice. And sometimes, the first step toward a new life begins with learning a language called English.
About the Author
Beverly H. Smolyansky preserves an extraordinary family history through this heartfelt narrative, ensuring that future generations understand the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped one family’s journey to America. Through vivid storytelling and authentic experiences, she honors the resilience of immigrants whose dreams helped build the nation they came to call home.