BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abawi, Atia. 2018. A LAND OF PERMANENT GOODBYES. New York. Penguin Random House. ISBN 9780399546853
PLOT SUMMARY
Tareq, a Syrian boy, does not want to leave his home and his family, but the war-driven country leaves the residents no choice. His family falls victim to a deadly attack that takes the lives of some of his family members. The journey to escaping the town they once called home is nothing short of a deadly one. Along the way, Tareq is separated from his father and sister only to reunite and face the decision of separating again and negotiating their spot on the refugee-filled inflatable that will make the treacherous journey across the deadly waters to claim asylum in the European nations.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Tareq, the main character, is a kind young man who genuinely cares about his family and even strangers. His Syrian refugee life on the run, navigating unfamiliar territory and languages in order to help his family seek asylum is a true representation of the struggles and hardships refugees encounter in their fight to a better life. Following Tareq’s journey from Syria to Germany is filled with dark elements as the reader is learning about the different rebel groups and the true to life examples of executions, interrogations, bribes, scams, negotiations and other means of control such as the hardships refugee women face of ownership as sex slaves. The adventure is depicted with details making the setting realistic and aids in the reader's imagination with descriptions of the tarnished cities. His personal narrative explains the hate refugees experience in every country they settle into as Tareq explains every country is quick to get the refugees to continue their journey going north.
This story is filled with heart-wrenching deaths of innocent lives lost, ambitious attempts of escapism, treacherous life and death situations that impact the reader to reflect on refugee status, seeking asylum, immigration and political tensions in our world today. Tareq emulates kindness in all his actions even when he is torn to pieces himself physically, mentally and emotionally. Despite the tragic events he and his remaining family experience hope and the happy ending is nothing short of amazing as his brother,Salim, who was presumed dead, makes contact and gives the ending a hopeful and happy ending. An epilogue describes Salim’s own unknown journey and Tareq’s attempt at starting his new refugee life. A glossary is provided to explain the different figurative meanings to the terms used throughout such as Arabic, Turkish, Greek and Dari.
EXCERPTS/ AWARDS
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 01/01/18
Kirkus Reviews starred, 12/01/17
New York Times, 03/04/17
Publishers Weekly starred, 11/13/17
School Library Connection, 03/01/ 18
School Library Journal Starred, 12/01/17
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 12/01/17
Kirkus Reviews starred (December 1, 2017): “ The narrator’s philosophical asides allow readers just enough distance to balance the intimacy of the suffering witnessed along the journey while helping to place the Syrian crisis in global and historical context as part of the cycle of humanity.”
Publishers Weekly (November 13, 2017): “ Newfound friendships and stories of volunteers pulling refugees from the Aegean provide elements of hope in this upsetting yet beautifully rendered portrayal of an ongoing humanitarian crisis.”
School Library Journal (December 1, 2017): “An inspiring, timely, and must-have account about the Syrian refugee disaster and the perils of all wars; best supplemented with nonfiction information for research purposes.”
CONNECTIONS
I absolutely sobbed throughout the entire story. Putting myself in Tareq’s shoes gave me another perspective into the life of refugees and the struggles they face whether emotional, physical or mental. This humanitarian crisis is one that is never ending and discussing it can be of benefit to those who are unaware of it.
This story is absolutely appropriate to the Young Adult audience and gives a lot of information on Syrian family life, refugees, muslims and organizations that are at the center of political conflicts.
This novel travels through many cities and continents and so providing a map or a globe alongside this title can definitely aid in the reader’s geographical reference for the places mentioned throughout the novel.
Jolin, Paula. IN THE NAME OF GOD. ISBN: 978-1-51816-669-3
Williams, Tad. CHILD OF AN ANCIENT CITY. ISBN: 978-0-8125-3391-0
Schami, Rafik. A HAND FULL OF STARS. ISBN: 978-1-62371-712-4
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