In this affecting, hilarious memoir, Marafioti cracks open the secretive world of the Roma and brings the absurdities, miscommunications, and unpredictable victories of the immigrant experience to life. Why are the glamorous Kraft Singles individually wrapped? Are the little soaps in the motels really free? How do you protect your nice new boyfriend from your opinionated father, who wants you to marry decently, within the clan?

It doesn't quite prepare them for the challenges of immigration. What little Oksana and her sister, Roxy, know of the United States they've learned from MTV, subcategory George Michael. Soon they are living on the sketchier side of Hollywood. All of this he confides to the woman at the American embassy, who inexplicably allows the family entry.

And cure cancer with his personal magnetism. In America! Also, he wants to play guitar with B. Her father is determined that his girls lead a better, freer life. It means getting your hair cut in 'the Lioness.' It also means enduring sneering racism from every segment of Soviet society. This means touring with the family band from the Mongolian deserts to the Siberian tundra. With unsentimentally perfect pitch, 'American Gypsy' reveals how Marafioti adjusted to her new life in America, one slice of processed cheese at a time.Ī vivid and funny memoir about growing up Gypsy and becoming Americanįifteen-year-old Oksana Marafioti is a Gypsy.

American Gypsy by Oksana Marafioti