A review by smalltownbookmom
The Boat People by Sharon Bala

4.0

Was prepared to give this 5 stars except the ending left me hanging - I hate that. Marrow Thieves did it in a way too but I wasn't dying to know what happened like I was in this story. Very moving story. I enjoyed that you got perspectives from more than just the immigrants ('boat people') but the lawyers and judges entrusted to fight for their rights and pass sentence on their lives. Somewhat graphic at times but I don't imagine anything depicted doesn't really happen to people fleeing from war torn countries. I really connected with the main character and his relationships with his wife and young son - such tragic stories! I think this book is definitely an eye-opener Canadians should read to help them become more sympathetic to the thousands of refugees around the world. So far, my pick for Canada Reads 2018