Point of View

The novel is narrated in the first person, and Nuri is the sole narrator and point-of-view character. The narration uses the present tense when discussing Nuri and Afra’s experiences in England, and it uses the past tense when discussing their journey from Syria to England. Although the novel technically only provides one perspective, Nuri’s experiences are representative of many refugees’ experiences. As stated in the author’s note, the author was inspired to write this book after volunteering at a refugee camp and hearing the refugees’ personal stories. The novel is based in actual refugee experiences, and thus Nuri’s story—in both detail and broad strokes—gives the reader a general impression of the perils that many refugees face.

Additionally, although Nuri is technically the only point-of-view character, other characters’ perspectives become evident via dialogue and action. Nuri and Afra’s emotional...