Excerpt from Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, plus links to reviews, author biography & more

"Do you have any questions for me?" Clark asked, moving the ré¬sumé to a pile of papers on the left side of his desk.

"No, Mr. Edwards. You have told me what I need to know very well, sir."

"I've got one more interview tomorrow morning, then I'll make my decision. You'll hear from me, maybe later tomorrow. My secretary will call you."

"Thank you so much, sir. You are very kind."

Clark stood up.

Jende quickly pushed back his chair and stood up, too. He straight¬ened his tie, which over the course of the interview had become as tilted as a willowy tree in a wild storm.

"By the way," Clark said, looking at the tie, "if you hope to further your career, you'll get a better suit. Black, blue, or gray. And a real tie."

"Not a problem at all, sir," Jende replied. "I can find a new suit, sir. I surely can."

He nodded and smiled awkwardly, revealing his crowded teeth and promptly shutting his mouth. Clark, without smiling back, offered a hand, which Jende took with both of his and shook with great care, his head bowed. Thank you so much in advance, sir, he wanted to say again. I will be the best chauffeur ever if you give me this job, he almost said.

He didn't say it; he had to keep his desperation from bursting through the thin layer of dignity it had been wrapped in throughout the interview. Clark smiled and patted him on the arm.

Excerpted from Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. Copyright © 2016 by Imbolo Mbue. Excerpted by permission of Random House. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.