The processes and pathways of migration, including visa issues or other hurdles
The effect of migration on family life and relationships, including marriages and intergenerational relations
Gender roles and expectations
The connection to and representation of Africa: visits? Relatives? Return migration?
Any racial identifications or internal conflicts about these
Social class position and trajectory by the African immigrants, in relation to life in the home country
Any other issues that strike you as interesting
Were the characters in the book becoming integrated into the United States or remaining connected to his/her homeland? Does becoming integrated mean becoming African-American (the default Black identity) or does it mean creating a vibrant African identity in the United States through the recreation of home associations and religious communities? Is it possible to do both? What evidence are you using to make your interpretation? Does this interpretation agree or disagree with (support or undermine) the literature on African immigration? What sense do you make of any similarities or differences between the reading and the novel or memoir?
Do the reasons for migration, route of entry, and educational and occupational profile match what is described in the scholarship on African migration in the United States? Note any differences and similarities. What evidence are you using to support that interpretation? What sense do you make of any similarities or differences between the reading and the novel or memoir?
What does the novel or memoir say about class in America, in relation to the immigrant’s or immigrant family’s social class position in the country of origin? What evidence are you using to support this interpretation? How does this compare to African immigrants on average?
What is happening in terms of gender or intergenerational relations? What evidence are you using to support this interpretation? How does this compare to African immigrants on average?
What is the role of the wider African community in providing support or information? Is there evidence of community or religious organizations? What evidence are you using to support this interpretation? How does this compare to African immigrants on average?
Is there anything else that strikes you as interesting from the book? What do you think it means? What evidence are you using to support that interpretation? What readings does this interpretation agree or disagree with? What sense do you make of any similarities or differences between the reading and the book?
