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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Mama by Zuzana Plesa is a look at her mother Anna Jozefek's life and her burial at Linden Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn beside her husband. Anna passed on January 4, 2001, with funeral arrangements made in the U.S. The service included a eulogy acknowledging Anna's support and reflections on her strict upbringing. Plesa, born in October 1941, took on significant responsibilities as the eldest child and excelled academically. She taught overseas and pursued counseling at Fuller Seminary. Frequent relocations due to landlord sales required Plesa to ensure her mother's companionship and care. Eventually, Anna needed full-time care, resulting in her placement in a nursing home. Plesa reflected on their relationship after her mother’s passing, examining the emotional dynamic and difficulties faced by daughters of immigrant mothers regarding caregiving responsibilities and personal development.
In Mama, Zuzana Plesa offers a deeply honest account of her relationship with her mother, Anna Jozefek, sharing with us both the highs and lows of their experiences. Plesa’s straightforward writing style captures her voice authentically, making it accessible to readers who appreciate memoirs of everyday life. I appreciate Plesa's view on generational differences and especially on mother-daughter relationships, illustrating how Anna's immigrant background shaped her interactions with Plesa. Readers will find value in Plesa’s reflections on caregiving and the challenges faced by daughters of immigrant mothers, and in balancing these responsibilities as best one possibly can. This legacy memoir serves as a beautiful reminder of familial ties, and I believe that Plesa's insights and history will resonate with her family for generations, allowing them to treasure this slice of their past. For the rest of us, Plesa's work will engage with anyone interested in extraordinary family relationships. Very highly recommended.
