Laughing All the Way to Freedom

“Part memoir, part comparative psychology, part humor anthology,Laughing All the Way to Freedom is a fascinating delight. While recalling his early and lasting impressions of his adopted country, Draitser subjects his own formidable oeuvre as a satirical author--both pre- and post-emigration--to an insightful re-examination. While revisiting these wonderful texts, he gives us a sincere and illuminating retrospective account of the immigrant experience, including the mixed joy and apprehension of unexpectedly being able to visit his homeland (and beloved city of Odessa) again, after having found the courage to leave it forever. The recent and ongoing terrible events in Ukraine and Russia give the book an additional, almost unbearable poignancy.” - Dr. Seth Graham, University College London, School of Slavonic and East European Studies

“Everything about this remarkably engaging collection of essays--by turns poignant and funny, and deeply thoughtful and thought-provoking throughout--rings true, because it is true. At the heart of it, these keen ruminations on the nature of exile and an emigre's discovery of America are unwaveringly authentic.” - Mikhail Iossel, Concordia University, Montreal (Canada)