Immersion

2024 BookFest Awards First Place Winner in Nonfiction – Memoirs – Travel
2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in Travel/Travel Guide

“A fluent and far-ranging celebration of communication and world travel.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[Immersion’s] pages convey the tenacity and understanding that it takes to learn a language and understand its cultural context. . . .  the book ably imparts a sense of the universality of the human condition, capturing feelings like grief and gratitude in time with Marshall’s poignant, ongoing search for her sense of self.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews

“Follow Linda as she reflects deeply on the lessons she gained from witnessing violent conflict, disheartening poverty, culture shocks, and notable historical moments in this unforgettable memoir.”—Manhattan Book Review

“Author Linda Murphy Marshall plunges readers into the mission of a government multilinguist who battles her own self-doubts and fears in the midst of often tumultuous and frightening environments. Immersion is a fascinating exploration of not only the key role of language but also the personal journey toward self-realization.” —Donna Koros Stramella, author of Among the Bones

“With an artist’s eye for detail and a skilled writer’s talent for capturing drama, Marshall created an enthralling narrative of her path to becoming a top national language expert and her own journey to finding her true self in the process. Unique and engrossing.” —Laura Murray, PhD, president of The National Museum of Language

“Marshall’s latest book is a deeply personal and marvelously authentic narrative told with humor, suspense, humility, and authority. Linda depicts how language is woven into real life, how it instills insights and affections, and what it reveals about others—and oneself. I have spent over seven decades learning, using, describing, and advocating for language abilities, and I only wish I had written a book like this.” —Dr. Richard D. Brecht, University of Maryland Professor Emeritus, codirector of the American Councils Research Center, cofounder of Jeenie.com, and founding executive director of the University of Maryland Center for Advanced Study of Language (CASL) 

“How does a woman transform herself from a bored, midwestern housewife to an international linguist warding off thugs in Tanzania, wading through bomb debris in Kenya, and deciphering code for the FBI in small African nations? Linda Murphy Marshall does it by giving herself over to her one true love: languages around the world, including Portuguese, Swahili, Amharic, and Xhosa. This stunning exploration of the sometimes painful, sometimes exhilarating process of learning to translate both words and her own changing identity is a remarkable tribute to Marshall’s talent and the transformative power of languages.” —Barbara Hurd, author of The Epilogues

“Few people are familiar with the position of ‘linguist’ in intelligence work, but it is one of the most specialized and difficult jobs there is. Immersion draws back the veil on what it takes to fill this essential role: the deep love of language and culture, the determination to constantly challenge yourself, and the need for unfailing attention to detail. If you love languages or know someone who does (particularly a young person considering a career in language), this memoir is a must-read.” —Alma Katsu, former CIA officer, former government director of the Center for the Advanced Study of Language, and author of Red London 

“Immersion is scattered with diamonds, attracting every reader to different, brilliant parts. Elegantly and eloquently, Marshall illuminates a linguist’s experience. For non-interpreters, Immersion is a glimpse into the challenges and gratification of a life spent with foreign languages and policy-makers. For interpreters, this is an affectionate and invigorating dialogue with an exceptionally gifted and gracious colleague.” —Allison Hong Merrill, author of Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops