brennakaye's review against another edition
4.0
Wow this is a moving, heart wrenching story. The author paints a beautiful and descriptive picture of the main characters and their life in Aleppo and their journey to seeking asylum in England.
This book was not always an easy read and there were definitely some difficult topics. The author handled all this so well. This was a great, eye opening story!
This book was not always an easy read and there were definitely some difficult topics. The author handled all this so well. This was a great, eye opening story!
literaldecolonisation's review against another edition
5.0
If there is a book that illustrates the cumbersome physical, mental and emotional journey of a refugee, this is it! I have worked with a lot of refugees and heard a myriad of journeys but never to that extent. I was also in Turkey during the Refugee Crisis of 2016 and now wish I could have offered my help after reading this book. Most importantly, this is a book about love, loss, friendship, family & hope. Nuri & Afra’s journey is one which stays with you forever and offers a perspective (albeit fictional) on the effects of our current political environment. Definitely a must-read book before you die!
lottie29's review against another edition
5.0
I think Lefteri approached the issue with compassionate sensitivity, and her writing was interesting. The use of topic words to connect the character’s present day to their flashbacks and memories was new to me, and I liked it. I think this narrative device reflected the complexity of their journey as well as their sense of place and identity as Syrians forcefully displaced, with no choice but to make a home elsewhere.
I found this a really sad, compelling but compulsive read. Especially timely with the Ukrainian war driving people out of the country. The anti- immigrant and anti- refugee attitudes around the world are born from mistruths and perpetuate a wrong and harmful notion that they have a choice. This novel highlighted to me the power of fiction to help us to understand and humanise experience so far from our own, and in turn instill a desire for change.
The only comments I’d make would be perhaps deeper character development, to present a political stance of the characters towards the civil war.
holyheadharpie's review
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
parchment_and_papyrus's review against another edition
Maybe it's the wrong time in my life but I just couldn't face the relentless negativity. It felt like there was no hope in any of it. It's not the escape I need right now. Maybe I'll come back to it one day.
tillia_toth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
aliceq's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
eleganthedgehogs's review against another edition
We chose via easy to buy on Amazon as library books not available due to covid. We’re able to meet in Vivienne’s garden.
Had thought it might be a light mass appeal read but we’re pleasantly surprised to find it had more depth. Interesting to read about asylum seeker situation in UK.
Had thought it might be a light mass appeal read but we’re pleasantly surprised to find it had more depth. Interesting to read about asylum seeker situation in UK.