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Odessa Again by Dana Reinhardt: An Exploration of Identity, Belonging, and the Immigrant Experience

Randy Hayes

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Published in Odessa Again Dana Reinhardt

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In her memoir Odessa Again, Dana Reinhardt embarks on a journey of self-discovery and exploration as she delves into the rich history of Odessa, Ukraine, and her own family's connection to this vibrant city.

Reinhardt's father emigrated from Odessa to the United States in the 1920s, and she grew up hearing stories about her family's past in this bustling port city on the Black Sea.

Odessa Again

by Dana Reinhardt

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6650 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages

As an adult, Reinhardt returns to Odessa to learn more about her heritage and to connect with the city that had shaped her father's life. She immerses herself in the city's culture, language, and history.

A City of Layers

Odessa is a city with a complex and layered past. It was founded in the late 18th century by Catherine the Great, and over the centuries it has been home to a diverse population of Greeks, Russians, Jews, and Ukrainians.

The city's rich Jewish history is particularly significant to Reinhardt, as her father's family was Jewish. She visits the city's synagogues, cemeteries, and other Jewish landmarks.

Searching for Belonging

Throughout her journey, Reinhardt grapples with questions of identity and belonging. She is an American citizen, but she feels a strong connection to Odessa and its Jewish heritage.

She explores the concept of "double consciousness," which W.E.B. Du Bois described as the feeling of being both American and black. Reinhardt argues that this concept can also be applied to the experience of being both American and Jewish.

The Immigrant Experience

Odessa Again is also a story about the immigrant experience. Reinhardt's father came to the United States as a young man, and he faced many challenges as he tried to build a new life in a foreign country.

Reinhardt's own experiences in Odessa give her a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of immigration. She sees how her father's experiences have shaped her own life, and she appreciates the sacrifices he made for his family.

A Beautiful and Moving Memoir

Odessa Again is a beautifully written and moving memoir that explores complex themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. Reinhardt's writing is evocative and engaging, and she brings the city of Odessa to life with her vivid descriptions.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish history, immigration, or the human experience. It is a powerful story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Odessa Again

by Dana Reinhardt

4.3 out of 5