Anzia Yezierska's Bread Givers compellingly depicts the struggles of a young Jewish immigrant woman in 1920s America. Praised for its authentic portrayal of cultural and gender conflicts, it also faces criticism for a somewhat predictable plot. The novel’s strong, relatable protagonist and rich historical context outweigh these minor shortcomings.

Readers who appreciate Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska are often drawn to immigrant narratives, feminist themes, and coming-of-age stories. Those who enjoy books like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros will find this novel compelling for its portrayal of resilience and cultural identity clashes.

Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska follows Sara Smolinsky, a young Jewish-American girl growing up in 1920s New York, as she defies her father Reb's patriarchal beliefs to pursue education and career aspirations amidst her family's struggles. The novel delves into themes of traditional values versus modern aspirations, patriarchal control, and the complexities of assimilation and identity. This material contains themes of misogynistic treatment of women and derogatory language towards people with disabilities and mental illnesses.

Challenging / Melancholic / Gritty / Inspirational / Emotional

- Anzia Yezierska drew from her own experiences as a Jewish immigrant in New York City's Lower East Side when writing Bread Givers, providing a vivid portrayal of early 20th-century immigrant life.
- Bread Givers was first published in 1925 and later rediscovered in the 1970s, which helped revive interest in Yezierska's work and her contributions to American immigrant literature.
- Though Bread Givers explores serious themes, Anzia Yezierska is praised for her ability to infuse humor and resilience into the narrative, making the characters' struggles relatable and engaging.

**Sara Smolinsky**  
The youngest daughter of the Smolinsky family, she is an intelligent and strong-willed individual who strives for education and independence, challenging her family's traditional beliefs.

**Reb Smolinsky**  
Sara's father, who is deeply religious and authoritative, upholding patriarchal values within the family while prioritizing religious studies over providing for his household.

**Shenah Smolinsky**  
Sara's mother, who is a dedicated and hardworking woman, supporting her family under challenging circumstances and navigating the pressures of her husband's patriarchal rule.

**Mashah Smolinsky**  
Sara's older sister, initially focused on her beauty and personal desires, who undergoes significant changes as she faces the hardships of family expectations and married life.

Anzia Yezierska

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Overview

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Bread Givers Summary

Background

Bread Givers Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “Hester Street”

Book 1, Chapters 1-5

Bread Givers Book 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 6-9

Bread Givers Book 1, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “Between Two Worlds”

Book 2, Chapters 10-14

Bread Givers Book 2, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 15-16

Bread Givers Book 2, Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Book 3: “The New World” 

Book 3, Chapters 17-21

Bread Givers Book 3, Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Bread Givers Character Analysis

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Themes

Bread Givers Themes

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Bread Givers Important Quotes

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Bread Givers

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