It is hard to sum up this book but I would certainly recommend it. The story of Nuri and Afra as they travel from Syria, through Turkey and Greece, to the UK and the unimaginable hardships they encounter on the way is one that will stay with me for a long time.
It is beautifully written and such a powerful depiction of the struggles refugees go through - and a reminder that it doesn’t stop even when they arrive at their destination. Haunted by memories and facing so much uncertainty makes life unimaginably hard.
The book moves seamlessly through past and present and the construct of linking each chapter through one word is very clever. It is one of those books that just leaves you silent at the end as you reflect - it’s a gentle book in some ways in its writing style but utterly heartbreaking and I defy anyone not to be moved by it. Read it for sure!
It is beautifully written and such a powerful depiction of the struggles refugees go through - and a reminder that it doesn’t stop even when they arrive at their destination. Haunted by memories and facing so much uncertainty makes life unimaginably hard.
The book moves seamlessly through past and present and the construct of linking each chapter through one word is very clever. It is one of those books that just leaves you silent at the end as you reflect - it’s a gentle book in some ways in its writing style but utterly heartbreaking and I defy anyone not to be moved by it. Read it for sure!