jensen1's reviews
427 reviews

A quick book with a poignant story - the overwhelming sense of loneliness is both lovely and horrible. 

Yes!!!!! This was great. Prose translated to English was beautiful and Bulgarian nationalism was the star.

I received this advanced reader copy from Liveright publishing. Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book - it was absolutely worth the time I spent and the reflections that came to me while reading. Weaving stories directly from Syrian refugee voices (though I hesitate to generalize calling these individuals refugees, as I think it sometimes takes away the complexities of their experiences) from as recent as late 2023, it paints the picture of the Syrian diaspora with its heartbreak and beauty that has spanned more than a decade. 

In a lot of ways, the world has moved on from the Syrian crisis with newer headlines of catastrophe in other places. However, this book illustrates how the Syrian War and its displaced peoples has endured to this day. Stories from Syrians now making homes in Sudan, Turkey, Japan, Brazil, Europe, shows the versatility of human hope and strength. Though many feel they have found their new home, I felt that these Syrians acknowledge their ache for their homeland that will never be the same. In addition, I felt that though many confirm and appreciate their safety and new lives, there is still a strong sense of loss and uncertainty that continues and probably will continue for years to come. 

The introduction and the mini chapter introductions felt a bit redundant in places.