Johnson, S.G. (2000). After I Said No. Santa Barbara: Fithian Press. ISBN: 9781564743121
· Plot Summary
The last days of tzarist Russia have come, a time when anti-Semitism was common, and Jewish families were fleeing to America in order to avoid persecution. Perele Sokolov is fourteen, living with her father and aunt, but sent to America in order to marry her cousin, David. When she arrives, Pearl quickly realizes she cannot marry David, and sets out to find a job. Skilled at sewing, she gains employment as a shirtwaist dressmaker in one of the many factories in New York, aided by her new found friend, Frieda. Life in the factories is grueling, with most of the girls barely make enough money to survive, and when Frieda is injured on the job due to employer negligence, Pearl joins the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. The union eventually goes on strike, but is only successful after some of the girls die from starvation, and Pearl is determined to make a new life for herself. Disowned by her father already, she cannot return to Russia, and so she sells the diamond earrings he gave her in order to create her own business.
· Critical Evaluation
A somewhat melodramatic, and unbelievable, story. Pearl comes across as an ungrateful brat, and it is therefore hard to be interested in her experiences. The background of the garment union workers' troubles is interesting, but does not make up a substantial part of the plot, and very few girls that became workers in the factories would have things like diamonds in order to begin a new life.
· Reader’s Annotation
Good for basic information on factory girl experience, but definitely a work of fiction. Pearl is a cloying character, and much more could have been done with her personal development to make the story more engaging.
· Information about the author
Sheila G. Johnson is an author of not just fiction, but also poetry and non-fiction titles. She is a teacher in Isla Vista, California, and editor of Shared Sightings poetry magazine.
· Genre
Historical Fiction
· Curriculum Ties
History
· Booktalking Ideas
19th century Russia, and America as a place of freedom.
Truths of the immigrant experience and the myths that were prevalent in the 19th century.
Factory life for the common immigrant.
Union organization and its effect on the conditions in factories.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I found this book in the Local Authors section of my public library. Though I don't know her personally, I have several co-workers that are members of the Isla Vista Minion where Ms.Johnson teaches poetry.
