Genre
Young Adult
Setting and Context
The story begins in Damascus. Throughout the book, the protagonist travels through several countries in the Middle East and Europe.
Narrator and Point of View
It is narrated from the perspective of the protagonist in first-person.
Tone and Mood
The tone is poignant, introspective, and hopeful. The mood oscillates between moments of despair, tension, and resilience.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Sami. The antagonist is the Syrian civil war.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is the struggle to survive as a refugee amidst the Syrian civil war. Sami faces numerous dangers throughout his journey. He must navigate war-torn regions, escape violence, and endure treacherous journeys across borders. These highlight the harsh realities and obstacles that refugees face as they seek safety and a better life.
Climax
The climax occurs when Sami and his family finally reach the shores of Greece.
Foreshadowing
Sami's family discusses the possibility of leaving Syria due to the escalating war. This foreshadows their decision to flee which sets the stage for the journey that follows.
Understatement
"We got used to hearing about friends of friends getting killed or injured by a stray missile launched from Ghouta."
The understatement indicates a level of desensitization toward the tragic events.
Allusions
The novel alludes to the Syrian civil war and the refugee crisis. It references the protests for President al-Assad to resign, which acted as the catalyst for the civil war. For instance, “pro-government people and rebels started fighting in areas where ordinary people live…everything spiraled out of control into a full-blown civil war across Syria.”
Imagery
“A short old lady stood next to me, and the scent of Vicks VapoRub filled my nostrils, taking me right back to Tete’s bedroom, which always smelled of Vicks. Sorrow stabbed at my heart—Tete was a part of us, our life.”
The scent triggers a vivid recollection of Tete—someone who was dear to Sami and a significant part of his life.
Paradox
The paradox is the protagonist's longing for his home in Damascus while being physically displaced as a refugee.
Parallelism
The author uses parallelism to compare Sami's life before and after leaving Syria. For instance, in Syria, Sami had a comfortable home and a community that supported him. In the UK, Sami found uncertainty and a sense of displacement.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
"The noise I'd seen on the news for years was now coming for us." The narrator attributes human-like qualities (coming for us) to the noise.
