Foreign - Paperback

by Keith Kareem Williams (Author)

Amidst the challenges of obtaining travel documents, George Barret watches as his wife, Pauline, and their two children, Sherry and Trevor, embark on a journey from their beloved Jamaica to the bustling streets of New York City in pursuit of the American dream. As they step onto the bustling streets of their new home, they are confronted with the daunting challenges of adapting to a culture that feels worlds apart from their island roots. When George eventually joins them, cradling a newborn in his arms, the strength of his and Pauline's relationship is tested. To make things even more complicated, their teenage daughter Sherry's surprise pregnancy puts an even bigger strain on the family.
Struggling to make ends meet, George tries to get a job at a local restaurant owned by the formidable Mrs. Tapper. Little does he know that this seemingly humble Jamaican eatery conceals a secret world of crime and intrigue. When a sudden hail of bullets threatens Mrs. Tapper's life, George, driven by instinct and courage, shields her with his own body, an act that forever alters the trajectory of his family's journey.
In the aftermath, George becomes entangled in the complexities of Mrs. Tapper's criminal enterprise, a role he reluctantly assumes to secure the well-being of his loved ones. As he navigates the fine line between providing for his family and confronting the moral dilemmas of his newfound occupation, George grapples with the echoes of his Jamaican heritage and the shadows cast by the American Dream.
Upon Mrs. Tapper's death, George is faced with an unforeseen inheritance - not just the restaurant, but the entirety of her criminal organization. Now burdened with a responsibility he never sought, George must navigate the complexities of leading a double life, juggling his newfound obligations with the preservation of his family's unity. However, a sinister secret from his past trails him to America, threatening to fracture his family from within.
Set against the backdrop of cultural juxtapositions and the kaleidoscope of immigrant experiences, "Foreign" unfolds as a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unforeseen consequences that accompany the pursuit of a better life. For the entire Barret family, it is a journey of self-discovery, testing the limits of familial bonds and the strength derived from an indomitable spirit in the face of unexpected destinies.