Title: Our Immigrants’ Son
Author: John Francis Patrick Murphy
Publisher: Whilom Publishing
ISBN: 979-8675478569
Pages: 434
Genre: Genealogy/Ethnic & National Biographies/Biographies & Memoirs
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

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The backbone and true strength of any nation, but in particular the United States, are immigrants. Nations such as the United States exist because of immigrants, who worked tirelessly to provide a better life and a more hopeful life for their families, and in essence built the nation into what it is today. As US Representative from Michigan Rashida Tlaib said, “When I think of immigration, I want to think of families. I want to think of unity. I want to think of a safe place, you know, free of persecution, a place where we can welcome a child that is hungry.”

In author John Francis Patrick Murphy’s Our Immigrants’ Son, the author utilizes a unique blend of historical fiction, biographical and prose poetry to bring to life the story of his ancestor Michael Joseph Murphy. From his parents’ journey from Ireland to Boston, Massachusetts, to his life as a Civil War private and even working as the chief of police in the town of Lawrence. The author also helps readers learn how to write their own family histories, from organizing their ancestry and family heirlooms to finding the right style to bring their family’s history to life.

What a fascinating and engaging read. The author brilliantly brings his family history to life in this lengthy yet entertaining read. The way the author utilizes visuals such as newspaper clippings, paperwork and even family trees within the book help to give readers a better understanding of life for the ancestors that the author has brought back to life within this narrative. From the first page readers can picture the conditions of the boat Michael’s parents were on from their voyage across the Atlantic to become Americans, and from there the history comes to life in a very real way as the story of this family comes together. The author even brought the struggles and pain that many Irish-American immigrant families endured as they fought to become American citizens.

This book is perfect for those who enjoy non-fiction, biographical reads that utilize unique themes and genres such as historical fiction and prose poetry, and stories of immigrant families who work and struggle to make a place for their family in countries like the United States. An aspect some religious readers may find interesting is how the author and his family include faith and belief into the story of their history as well, adding an extra element for those who practice their faith or beliefs and are looking to connect with authors who feel the same way.

A phenomenal, lengthy yet powerful read, author John Francis Patrick Murphy’s Our Immigrants’ Son is a must-read book. The author not only did an amazing job of bringing their family’s history to life, in particular ancestor Michael Joseph Murphy, but they also did a great job of imparting knowledge on how the reader can write their own family history, from the use of repeated themes to the use of visuals and even involving other members of your family in the process.