In February 2024, Brooklyn resident Brandon Holley encountered Babacar*, a young illegal migrant, while shopping at a Lowe’s hardware store. Babacar, a native of Dakar, was seeking day work and offered to help Holley with heavy bags of soil she was struggling to load into her vehicle. Despite the language barrier—Babacar spoke only French, which Holley struggled to understand—the two formed a friendship over the course of several weekends spent gardening together. When Holley discovered Babacar was living in the subway during a break from the city’s shelter system, she offered him a room in her home. Over the next 18 months, Babacar lived with Holley and her family, and after securing legal work status, he moved into his own place. Holley reflected on their time together, stating, “I realize it was advantageous for him to meet us, but my life would be so much worse without him.”
The dynamics of such arrangements are explored in detail in Lionel Shriver’s newest novel, “A Better Life,” which satirizes the experiences of those who host migrants in New York City. Known for her provocative takes on political issues, Shriver’s narrative centers around Gloria Bonaventura, a divorced arts liberal who, in light of the migrant crisis, takes in Martine, a Honduran immigrant. Through Gloria’s character, Shriver critiques the complexities of liberal altruism while showcasing the nuances of interpersonal relationships that form in the face of a challenging crisis.
The novel unfolds from the perspective of Gloria’s son, Nico, a young man stunted by his own privileges, living off a small inheritance in his mother’s home. As Martine and later her potentially dangerous brother Domingo move in, Nico grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the sudden competition for his mother’s attention and affection. Shriver constructs a humorous and suspenseful narrative that not only entertains but also provokes deeper questions surrounding immigration, belonging, and the costs associated with generosity.
Within this unfolding narrative, the author presents arguments surrounding cultural shifts and immigration, portraying characters who challenge the mainstream discourse found in today’s literary world. Shriver’s portrayal calls into question the impact of increased diversity on societal cohesion while also illuminating the failures of entitlement and inaction among some native-born residents like Nico. The backdrop of ongoing immigration issues in America today adds weight to the story.
Alongside the fictional narrative, the real-life experiences of Brooklyn women who have also opened their homes to migrants offer a contrasting perspective. Louise Bauso, an educator and founder of a local mutual aid organization, took in two asylum-seeking boys from Guinea who desperately needed shelter during the harsh winter of 2023-2024. Similarly, social worker Sarah* provided temporary housing for a young Guinean man, navigating the challenges inherent in sharing her space with a stranger. Each woman’s story showcases the transformative power of personal charity amid the ongoing migration crisis.
The women’s commitment to helping others emerges not just from a belief in social justice, but from a profound sense of shared humanity. While Shriver’s novel delves into the complexities of migration with a critical lens, the real-life stories of Holley, Bauso, and Sarah emphasize the tangible impact of individual choices made in response to crisis. Their actions serve as a testament to the innate drive to assist those in need and highlight the urgent human connections that emerge in such circumstances.
The contrasting narratives reflect the multifaceted nature of the immigration debate, where personal experiences are often more complex than ideological discussions. Ultimately, both the novel and the women’s stories reveal the importance of empathy and compassion in fostering understanding, indicating that even amid contentious issues, real connections can lead to a better life for both migrants and those who choose to help them.
*Some names have been changed at the subject’s request.