A powerful novel of refugees escaping from war-torn Syria, masterfully told by a journalist who witnessed the crisis firsthand. In a country ripped apart by war, Tareq lives with his big and loving family . . . until the bombs strike. His city is in ruins. His life is destroyed. And those who have survived are left to figure out their uncertain future. Tareq's family knows that to continue to stay alive, they must leave. As they travel as refugees from Syria to Turkey to Greece, facing danger at every turn, Tareq must find the resilience and courage to complete his harrowing journey. While this is one family's story, it is also the timeless tale of the heartbreaking consequences of all wars, all tragedy, narrated by Destiny itself. When you are a refugee, success is outliving your loss.An award-winning author and journalist—and a refugee herself—Atia Abawi captures the hope that spurs people forward against all odds and the love that makes that hope grow. Praise for A Land of Permanent Goodbyes: Featured on NPR's Morning Edition! Featured by Dana Perinos on The Five! Featured as a most-anticipated book of 2018 on The Huffington Post! “[A heartbreaking and to-the-minute timely story of the Syrian refugee crisis. Abawi gives even more humanity, depth, and understanding to the headlines.”—Bustle ★ “From award-winning journalist Abawi comes an unforgettable novel that brings readers face to face with the global refugee crisis . . . A heartbreaking, haunting, and necessary story that offers hope while laying bare the bleakness of the world.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ Abawi skillfully places humanity enmeshed in war into two sides: the 'hunters' who feed on the suffering and the 'helpers' who lend a hand. An inspiring, timely, and must-have account about the Syrian refugee disaster and the perils of all wars.—School Library Journal, starred review ★ [A gripping and heartrending novel . . . [and an upsetting yet beautifully rendered portrayal of an ongoing humanitarian crisis.—Publishers Weekly, starred review As author Atia Abawi artfully illustrates, refugees are created by circumstances that can happen anywhere. A perfect companion novel to Alan Gratz's Refugee, this humanizing, often harrowing and sometimes transcendent novel fosters compassion and understanding.—BookPage, Top Teen Pick “[This could be paired with Sepetys book . . . Salt to the Sea, for a multi-era look at the casualties of war.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books “This is a harrowing and vitally important novel about an ongoing crisis. Tareqs story will linger with readers long after theyve turned the final page.”—Bookish A Land of Permanent Goodbyes is an engrossing, heartbreaking story of survival, giving readers an authentic glimpse of the suffering and destruction in Syria.—Voice of Youth Advocates A well-written, well-researched book.—School Library Connection This touching read will stir empathy and compassion about the harrowing plight of refugees. Abawi . . . helps give perspective on how religion can be used to help create a world where the most basic human rights are violated.—Booklist
In the captivating novel "A Land of Permanent Goodbyes" by Atia Abawi, we are taken on a poignant and evocative journey through the intertwined lives of four generations of women in Afghanistan. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous historical events, this powerful narrative explores themes of war, displacement, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
The story begins in present-day Kabul, where we meet Nila, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a devastating suicide bombing that has left her physically and emotionally scarred. As she navigates the complexities of a city torn apart by conflict, Nila finds solace in the stories shared by Laila, her grandmother. Laila's own experiences as a young woman coming of age during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan serve as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities.
As Laila's narrative unfolds, we learn about her struggles to reconcile her traditional upbringing with the changing social and political landscape of her homeland. She witnesses firsthand the devastating consequences of war, including the loss of loved ones, widespread destruction, and the erosion of cultural heritage. Through Laila's eyes, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Afghan history and the enduring spirit of its people.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to Laila's mother, Mariam, and grandmother, Zahra. Each woman has her own unique experience of loss, displacement, and resilience. Their stories, woven together with Laila's, create a powerful tapestry that illuminates the struggles and triumphs of Afghan women across generations. Through their experiences, we witness the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity, their unyielding hope even in the darkest of times, and their unwavering determination to build a better future for themselves and their families.
"A Land of Permanent Goodbyes" is a powerful and moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. Atia Abawi's poignant storytelling brings to life the intricate lives of Afghan women, capturing their struggles, their dreams, and their unwavering determination to overcome adversity. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Afghan history, the experiences of women in war-torn societies, and the enduring power of hope in the face of despair.
