Reviews tagging 'Torture'

Hope Not Fear by Hassan Akkad

9 reviews

bethanharcourt's review

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced

2.75

This man has gone through a lot, but I feel he didn't explain himself in a way I could truly understand his decisions. I also felt he was quite boastful of his skills in a way that I didn't think really were actually evidenced and I didn't like the way he spoke about some of his 'female friends'. I didn't understand why he left Dubai to experience the horrors of crossing from Turkey to Greece when he had a job and his family there. The visa issues didn't make sense if his family were then able to stay there. I didn't understand why he put himself through everything in frnac when he could have stayed in any of the other European countries he passed through. He seemed to have endless money to buy these crossings and fake passports. He didn't in anyway need to shove that SIM card up his bum for safe keeping. I understand maybe in hindsight some of these things appear more obvious, but still... It would have helped me to understand more. I agree that refugees need more support, that fleeing a country that is trying to kill you and losing your home and family and everything you own is an experience I can't begin to imagine. But I'm not sure he's the best spokesperson for this as he seemed to have so many other opportunities that ordinary individuals would not have. 
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baratheonbooks's review

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

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tea_with_tigers2024's review

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

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lucille_c's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

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aileend's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

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questingnotcoasting's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative sad medium-paced

4.0

This was a very difficult read at times but a really valuable one. Akkad's story is truly harrowing and he tells it with such vulnerability. I listened to the audiobook and his narration really enhanced the experience. I learnt a lot, both about the Syrian civil war and refugees in general. Overall it's a thought-provoking reflection on humanity, as he met both the worst and the best kind of people on his journey. His survival through some of the worst experiences imaginable is astonishing and his determination to make a difference is remarkable. 
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aimee__a's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

5.0

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lindsay123's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

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treesnpeace's review

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challenging informative sad fast-paced

5.0

One of the best books I have read, and I truly believe it is a life-changing book for those who read it. Hassan's reflection on humanity, storytelling for change and the testimony of what can happen when we come together is breathtaking.
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