A Hope More Powerful than the Sea

This books is a heartbreaking insight into the plight of today’s refugees, as seen through the eyes of one Syrian woman. The author is certainly one who is deeply knowledgeable of the crisis at hand: Fleming is the chief spokesperson of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

The book begins where we meet the young woman and hear about how he life went from one like any other, into the hell of a war torn country. In desperation and necessity, her and her fiancés life of flight begins, with one horror after another happening along the way. I will spare the detail, but it is truly stunning what these folks have gone through to escape the horrors of their own country. It is both a story relating to the Syrian plight, but it is by no means limited by it: there are refugees from countless countries who have suffered just as much. Simply, this book humanizes the countless masses who have fled war and strife in their own countries, and through the example of Zamel, show just how much they have gone through to save their families.

If anything, this book will leave you with an empathy and understanding of these troubled lives and hopefully, some compassion.

Gave me a greater insight into the Syrian culture and their exodus; a heart-wrenching story. My only complaint is that the first half tends to be a bit repetitive in places, as though filler was needed, so I was surprised and thrilled by the last half that was a total page-turner. I can't imagine anyone having to go through an ordeal like this! Those of us that are comfortable and complacent need to be aware of what is going on around the world.

The number of lives lost and the number of people who fled Syria are staggering, however, this story of one woman who fled and survived truly brought it home for me. If it wasn't a true story it would be impossible to believe. Anyone who has the gift of freedom and living in the U.S. should consider reading this book. The story is simply told so this book could also be read by high school students. My hope is that Doaa Al Zamel can eventually find peace.

An incredible story of great courage in horrific circumstances. It’s easy for much of the world, especially the U.S., to write off the refugee crisis as a news story among many, to forget that these are human beings fleeing from their country with no place to turn. Humanity is losing compassion for fellow human beings. Doaa’s story will move you to tears, put faces on the news stories, and cause you to view this great humanitarian crisis in a whole new way.

I came upon this book at the public library, which is why I'm not at Verified Purchase. But I wanted to second that this book should be required reading for everyone - especially those who seem to be afraid of Muslims. This book not only helps with understanding what has been going on in Syria, it also illustrates how we are all just people, with the same motivations and needs. I challenge anyone not to have their heart go out to refugees after reading this book.

This is a breathtaking true story of a Syrian refugee and her daring escape first to Egypt and then to Crete. The author gives information about the Syrian Civil War and the suffering of the refugees.

Read this book. This incredible story follows Doaa, a young Syrian woman with dreams of studying to become a lawyer. The tale is deeply human - some of the moments in this book were beautiful in the way that kindness in a concentration camp is beautiful. Some of the moments in this book were the most difficult things I have ever experienced (and, as difficult as they are to read, I know it is absolutely nothing compared to living them). I finished this book in 1 day because I could not put it down. If you are looking for a book which grows your empathy, changes your perspective, and challenges you into action, this is the book.

An absolute great amazing book that must be read and appreciated. This woman is a hero and an example of humble courage and pride and dignity. What she, and millions of others, have to suffer everyday is a horror and a shame that we live in a world of such dichotomy. We here in the States and also those in Europe and the first world have such privileged lives and we need to know what others have to suffer. Hers is but one story from one country and yet there are endless tales of grief. Buy this book and read it. You will be moved and enlightened to what is happening everyday in the world.

Read this book. This incredible story follows Doaa, a young Syrian woman with dreams of studying to become a lawyer. The tale is deeply human - some of the moments in this book were beautiful in the way that kindness in a concentration camp is beautiful. Some of the moments in this book were the most difficult things I have ever experienced (and, as difficult as they are to read, I know it is absolutely nothing compared to living them). I finished this book in 1 day because I could not put it down. If you are looking for a book which grows your empathy, changes your perspective, and challenges you into action, this is the book.

An absolute great amazing book that must be read and appreciated. This woman is a hero and an example of humble courage and pride and dignity. What she, and millions of others, have to suffer everyday is a horror and a shame that we live in a world of such dichotomy. We here in the States and also those in Europe and the first world have such privileged lives and we need to know what others have to suffer. Hers is but one story from one country and yet there are endless tales of grief. Buy this book and read it. You will be moved and enlightened to what is happening everyday in the world.

As someone who works with refugees this book was really something special to read. In the end I cried for about an hour, and my boyfriend was like 'what is wrong with you'. It just made me think about the thousand plus refugees who I have worked with but don't ask about what happened to them personally because I don't want to stir up the sadness that they have been through. A very touching book.

Survival of an individual which reflects a humanterian failure of epic proportions. The loss of her Homeland and future with no future. A love story entwined with cultural slant of overcoming impossible odds

This is a powerful memoir of a Syrian refugee harrowing journey to escape the terror of living amidst the war. For those (like me) that do not understand how the war in Syria came about, this book offers powerful insights into the origins and devastating effects on Syrian citizens. I highly recommend this book.

This is a story of strength, fear, love, and determination of one refugee and her family. Doaa is the face of thousands of refugees who every day live in fear for their lives while dreaming of freedom. She'd many tears for Doaa! She is such an inspiration.