In The Sea There Are Crocodiles

"The author says this is effectively a work of fiction. But it is closely based on the true story narrated to him by a refugee, Enaiatollah Akbadi. In the foreward, Fabio Geda says that writing the story allowed Enaiatollah to take possession of his story. This is very important to many refugees I have spoken to. What is interesting about this book is that we are regularly and suddenly pulled out of the story by snippets of interviews or interjections and questions from the author himself. For example, on page 93 Geda interrupts the story to ask Enaiatollah a question: How can you just change your life like that? Just say goodbye one morning. You just do Fabio. I read somewhere that the decision to emigrate comes from a need to breathe. The hope of a better life is stronger than any other feeling. My mother decided it was better to know I was in danger far from her; but on the way to a different future, than to know I was in danger near her; but stuck in the same old fear. The timing of these interjections is perfect. Partly because I was thinking of a similar question as I read it. And this draws the reader even more closely into the story. It makes you think about the enormity of the decision to leave home. And how will you ever create a new home. It is also a very readable book. There is a safety net for a child when they understand how empathy works, because if you can understand others then it follows that other people have the ability to understand you, too. Once you realise this it is easier to be tolerant. And tolerance brings happiness and peace. The other thing these stories do is allow us to see the individuals in the news stories, not just the anonymous ‘refugees.’ This is vital for our understanding of the global tragedy. The act of sharing our stories, even though many of these stories are devastating, is still an important thing. The more we can learn about other people’s lives the richer our own lives will become. Fundamentally, it is about widening our communities and sharing our stories. Stories are, after all, what makes us human. Support Five Books Five Books interviews are expensive to produce. If you're enjoying this interview, please support us by donating a small amount ."