The Hidden Letters Of Velta B Analysis

I only had the opportunity to listen to readings by Gina Ochsner and Marilyn Nelson. Mrs. Ochsner read snippets from her book “The Hidden Letters of Velta B.” As Ochsner’s character, Inara is dying, she finally begins to share stories of her family with her son. Inara tells her son about her grandmother, Velta, who grew up in Latvia during the time that many immigrants, such as misplaced Jewish immigrants, began to settle into the country. Velta’s story appeared to be mostly centered on her Uncle Maris who came to live with Velta and her family for a time. During his stay, Uncle Maris would sometimes get very drunk and begin to talk about his dislike for non-Latvian people. In fact, he would go from house to house selling vitamins and asking
people to sign a petition for a law that stated everyone must learn and speak Latvian. Velta felt differently. She had a friend who was a Jewish immigrant and from previous conversations had learned about all the suffering the Jewish people have endured. Velta, through her friend, begins to understand the importance of immigration in order to have a better life. Uncle Maris found out about Velta’s friend and begins to harass the family. The listeners were left with the Jewish family refusing to see Velta or her mother and Velta’s mother declaring that Uncle Maris was no longer welcome in her home. The audience was left with a cliff hanger.
Does Velta’s friend and her family stay in Latvia? Are Velta and her friend reunited? Is Uncle Maris really kicked out of Velta’s home? Although I would like to know the answers to these questions, I felt that the content that was read was more important than the content that was not read. The issue of immigration in Latvia during Velta’s childhood is very similar to what is happening across the world today. Many immigrants are trying to find a country willing to accept them so they can escape from war-torn homes. How many times have I heard family members or others speak about the Syrian refugees like Uncle Maris spoke about the immigrants coming into Latvia? It is difficult to understand others’ unwillingness to allow asylum seekers into the United States after hearing stories of how much they have suffered already. Velta had heard all about the suffering of the Jewish people, much as we are told about the suffering of the Syrian people. Yet, many Americans refuse to empathize, choosing to hold on to their attitudes of discrimination. Instead of focusing on conspiracy theories about the incoming Syrian refugees, many Americans should read Gina Ochsner book or one like it. Immigration is an emotional journey as well as a physical journey. Those asking for asylum want to feel safe and accepted, not turned away because of racial and religious differences. As Christians, we should help those in need regardless where someone comes from or what they believe in. I believe this small part of Ochsner’s book gave a powerful insight into the struggles of an immigrant family and the effect of just one person’s discrimination can have on a
family.