Better Lives: Refugee Stories

1970s Afghanistan: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what would happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

The Ardent Swarm is a captivating novel that skillfully weaves together themes of personal loss, political turmoil, and ecological disaster in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. The main character Sidi's dedication to saving his bees is remarkable, and his journey to uncover the mystery behind the hornets' attack keeps readers on edge until the very end. The author's use of humor and drama in portraying the post-revolutionary reality of Tunisia is remarkable, and provides a unique perspective on a country often overlooked in Western media. For anyone interested in exploring the complexity of North African politics, The Ardent Swarm is a must-read.

Fives and Twenty Fives

The book offers a harrowing account of three women's lives intertwined amidst the civil war in Somalia. It paints an immersive portrait of everyday trials and tribulations in war-torn Somalia, depicting the courage and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. It is a poignant tale of struggle, love, and hope in the face of unspeakable atrocities. Highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction and stories of resilience in the face of adversity.