Following the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Book Review - A Land of Permanent Goodbyes By: Atia Abawi

The main character of "A Land of Permanent Goodbyes" is Tareq, a young Syrian boy whose life is upended by the Syrian civil war. Tareq is compassionate and cares deeply for his family, especially his younger sister Susan. The reader is able to observe the challenges and dangers of the refugee situation through his journey as the novel progresses.

What is the Syrian Civil War?

Syria experienced the worst drought in recent history from 2006 to 2010. The first nonviolent protests were a result of the repercussions of the drought and pre-existing economic disparities. Twelve years ago, the nonviolent revolts against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad descended into a full-blown civil war. The Syrian Civil War is an active conflict in Syria between pro-democratic revolutionaries and the Syrian Arab Republic. For children in Syria, conflict is the only thing they know. They live in constant terror of violence, landmines, and deadly explosives.

What is the Syrian Refugee Crisis?

The war in Syria has led to the worst refugee crisis of our time. More than 50% of Syria's population has been displaced, and an estimated 15.3 million people require humanitarian assistance. 12.1 million Syrians are experiencing food insecurity, and more than 90% of the population lives below the poverty line. They have sought asylum in over 130 countries, however the majority live in neighboring countries including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

Today, almost 50% of Syrian refugees in the area are under the age of 18, and more than 35% lack access to school. In addition to the 1.6 million Syrian children who are currently out of school, more than 2 million are at risk of dropping out. The price of this violence is being felt by the entire generation of Syrian kids.

The plot of the story follows Tareq’s family as they flee their hometowndue to the escalating violence of the war. They meet many different other refugees along the way, each with their own unique stories and pasts. These interactions showcase the diversity of the immigrants and the oneness of humanity that crosses cultural and geographic borders. Questions of resilience, identity, and the global community's attitude to the refugee crisis are raised throughout the journey. Readers acquire an awareness of the daily struggles, hopes, and fears that refugees experience through Tareq's perspective.

I would recommend the book "A Land of Permanent Goodbyes" by Atia Abawi to individuals who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis and to gain insight into the lives of those affected by conflict and displacement.