Newcomers

In "Newcomers," Alan Mikhail presents the compelling story of Anthony "the Turk," a man believed to be Muslim from Morocco, and his wife Grietje Reyniers, a German barmaid, challenging conventional narratives of America's origins. Arriving in 1630s Dutch New Amsterdam, this unorthodox couple navigated life as outsiders, confronting Dutch authorities and the complexities of colonial society. Their journey reveals themes of anti-Muslim sentiment and female defiance, ultimately leading them to success on Long Island, where they raised a family linked to notable figures like the Vanderbilts and President Harding. This revisionist account offers a fresh perspective on the formative years of New York’s history.