Gold in the Streets

Author(s): Mary Vardoulakis

Location(s): Crete, Massachusetts

Genre(s): Historical, Fiction

Era(s): post-WWII

George Vardas is a young man growing up in Crete. He’s the head of his household and must work hard to earn enough money to secure dowries for both of his sisters. He later learns that many of his countrymen have gone to the United States for better opportunities, because apparently, there’s gold in the streets. Ultimately, he decides to go, and we follow him as he adjusts to American life in Massachusetts and all the challenges he faces. George becomes part of a Greek community, and they watch out for each other. He develops important friendships that affect his future. But it’s lonely without his family and life is not easy. He works hard, sends money home, and to calm his homesickness, frequents a local kafeneio.

Then he sends for his younger sister, because together, they can earn money faster to pay off the older sister’s dowry and get back home. But as they begin to open their eyes to America’s promise, will they return home, or stay and make a new life?

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