Mary Antin
Born June 13, 1881, Mary Antin was destined for a hard life. Antin was born in Polotzk, Russia to a Jewish father who faced persecution for his religion, so he fled to the United States. When Antin was 12 her father found work in Boston and the family made the move to America. Unfortunately, the Antin family had little money and ended up living in various slums around the Boston area. Through it all Antin's mother and father made sure to take advantage of the free education in Boston. It became apparent that Mary had a proclivity for reading and writing. In fact, she completed and entire four years of schooling in only half of a year. After only knowing English for four months, Antin had her first publicized story, "Snow". She later became an assistant to a geology professor at Colombia University. They began dating and were married in 1901. She then moved with her husband to New York City and began writing. Antin found inspiration in her immigrant life and the achievement of the American Dream. Despite future struggles, Mary Antin continued writing until her death in May of 1949.
Her Work
Mary Antin's gift of writing finally paid off when the Editor of the Atlantic Monthly agreed to publish her short stories and autobiography. Antin became determined to use her gift to reach the masses. She said, "I am aiming, if you must know, at the heart of the world". She wanted to tell the world about immigrant struggles. Antin would get her chance when she received a book deal from Houghton Mifflin. The book chronicles the plight of Antin and her family. In the chapter 9, "The Promised Land", she talks specifically about the struggles her family endured in Boston. Ultimately, Antin's writings offer her readers a sense of peace through her story. She assures her readers that it is possible to achieve the American Dream.