Patriot Number One by Lauren Hilgers is an intimate and fascinating look at modern immigrant life in the USA. In it she details the flight of a Chinese dissident from his country and how he builds a new life in the USA. In a time when conversation is usually dominated by discussion of immigration from Latin America and the Middle East, Patriot Number One sheds light on those who seek refuge from China and the Far East. The story of the harried foreigner seeking refuge from political oppression in the US is one of the treasured features not just of the country itself but of our cultural memory. Patriot Number One not only shows this tradition is ongoing, but is enlightening for those born in the US in showing the tribulation many of our ancestors endured, and which immigrants still endure today. The book's strength lies in the highly detailed account of the protagonist's day to day life; starting a business, adjusting to life, finding love, etc. It could easily have been written in the first person but Hilgers' narration lends strength to the narrative.
The book was attractive and well presented. One thing I would have liked was a description of the contents on the back cover, which was covered by reviews, rightfully glowing but not the same as a description. Still, a minor detail in an outstanding book.
