100 pages • 3 hours read
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288
Novel • Fiction
Middle East • 2010s
2018
YA
14+ years
760L
A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi follows Tareq, a teenage refugee from Syria, as he flees to Turkey, Greece, and eventually Germany, seeking safety for himself and his sister Susan after their family is torn apart by a bombing. The story intertwines with that of Alexia, an American student volunteering to assist refugees in Greece. Destiny narrates, connecting Tareq’s journey with broader refugee experiences and emphasizing empathy and the impact of uncontrollable circumstances. The book contains scenes of war, violence, and trauma endured by refugees.
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
3,038 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi is a poignant and timely exploration of the refugee crisis, blending heart-wrenching narratives with hope. Reviewers praise its emotional depth and well-researched depiction of hardships. However, some find the multiple perspectives somewhat disjointed. Overall, it’s applauded for its powerful storytelling and relevance.
Readers who were moved by Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and want to explore the human side of the refugee crisis would find Atia Abawi’s A Land of Permanent Goodbyes compelling. This book appeals to those interested in emotional, socially relevant narratives that illuminate the resilience and struggles of displaced peoples.
3,038 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alexia
A compassionate volunteer in Greece who aids refugees, embodying the helper motif and demonstrating the emotional toll such work can bring.
Fayed
Tareq’s father, who faces difficult decisions to secure the safety of his surviving family after their home is bombed.
Susan
Tareq’s young sister, who symbolizes hope and innocence as her family strives to ensure her safety during their perilous journey.
Najiba & Jamila
Two sisters from Afghanistan who flee to Greece, emphasizing the additional risks faced by women and girls during refugee crises.
Salim
Tareq’s brother, who is initially presumed dead but later revealed to have survived under different circumstances, exemplifying resilience in the face of trauma.
Ameer & Sameer
Tareq's infant twin brothers who perish, representing the cruel realities faced by the innocents in conflict situations.
Uncle Waleed & Aunt Nada
Fayed’s relatives who provide resources for Tareq and his family to flee but ultimately face their own tragic consequences for staying behind.
Musa
Tareq’s cousin who becomes acquainted with the complexities of Daesh and showcases a contrasting refugee experience by building a life in Istanbul.
Shams & Asil
Neighboring sisters to Tareq’s relatives, concerned about the threat Daesh poses to young women like themselves in war-torn areas.
Abu Laith
A smuggler who aids Tareq and his sister’s escape from Syria, epitomizing the morally ambiguous figures that operate in crises.
Annis
A Greek woman with strong opinions about the refugee aid system, highlighting skepticism toward some aid organizations and workers.
The Helpers
A diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, each playing a role in assisting refugees throughout the narrative, serving as a reminder of the goodness that exists amid adversity.
288
Novel • Fiction
Middle East • 2010s
2018
YA
14+ years
760L
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