One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love - and Survival

An important book for its message. Powerfully shows the reader the horrors faced by refugees and immigrants. Particularly important in face of the cruelty of current US administration. Could it have been better written? Yes. Does it matter? Not really. Everyone sitting in their comfortable home needs to know what it's like to be thrown out of that comfortable home.

This was a hard read and should be. There is no earthly reason to make the plight of Syrian refugees into a page turner. Still, something about how this was composed was off-putting. I can’t quite put my finger on it though I’m very grateful for Doaa sharing this story.

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.

Wow. That is the word that still echoes in my head a half hour after reading her story.

Deep sadness. That is the feeling in my heart for what Doaa and her family and loved ones had to endure.

Anger. That is what wells up in my throat at people who would beseige a city of men, women and children and pummel them into submission simply because they are suspected of voicing their disapproval of their government.

Rage. This is what I feel towards those who bully, threaten, intimidate and abuse people perceived as weaker and/or more vulnerable than themselves.

Doaa's story is a beautiful one, although desperately sad. Yet how many other such stories have bled to death alone in the dust, been murdered in alleys in some unnamed town, or gasped their last breath as the sea claims their hopes and dreams.

When men and women act atrociously and prey on the innocent and weak, the righteous must stand and defend them.

When people stand steadfast, indifferent and uncaring at the suffering of others before their very eyes, others must step forward to extend the love of God and the benevolence that should exude from mankind.

Doaa's story is one that can open our eyes to see the beauty of a life rather than the cold print of another's circumstance. I suspect anyone with a heart can benefit from reading her story, and hope that it will open enough hearts so folks like Doaa can find shelter, comfort, happiness, and safety.

This book is well written. It comes across as a narrarative tapestry rolling out at your feet. Once started, I found it difficult to set down until I had learned her fate. I am saddened that she lost so much in her journey, and pray that the Lord will bless her by drawing her close, and by giving her the desires of her heart in this life.

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway, and have provided an honest review. Thank you for the dear gift.

We've all seen the footage from Syrian cities of what local and foreign forces have visited upon the citizens, but this book brings one family into view. It could be anyone's family anywhere in the world under circumstances beyond normal control. Their denomination is reviled along with their political views, and the bullies take over with no regard for human life. This is not a historical pogrom, nor a tribal war in history, but happening today.
Born in 1995, Doaa was raised in a large extended family in a decent neighborhood. In time, the political scene changed and the quality of life deteriorated. In 2012 her father contacted a relative, and arrangements were made to leave everything and nearly everyone they knew to emigrate to Egypt. There they lived meagerly, working hard and becoming thin and frail. In time the man who was determined to marry her saved Doaa and her mother from illnesses not uncommon in refugees, and in 2014 it became apparent that they needed to move on to Europe if there was to be any hope for a decent life.
The decision itself was heartrending, but there was no hope for any decent kind of future for refugees in Egypt at that time. So they began to experience the heartless cruelty of the smugglers who are motivated only by greed. There was more hardship and deaths and devastating loss. Finally, heart sick and near death, she was befriended in Greece and began to think that there might be hope. But like most refugees anywhere and in any time, her greatest hope is to return to the homeland.
I feel very fortunate to have won a Goodreads Giveaway which I entered and received a free review copy from Flatiron Books.

This is a must-read book for everyone who is debating the refugee crisis, because it boils the entire war in Syria down to one family, one young woman: Doaa al-Zamel. Doaa and her family flee to Egypt where they live in poverty relying on the kindness of Egyptians making do with backbreaking work and donations. At the same time, the goodwill in Egypt has shifted as well with the change in government, and Doaa finds herself and her whole family in danger again. Her fiancé Bassem has friends in Europe. They have escaped earlier, and tell stories of safety, of jobs and education. To the couple, life in Sweden, Greece, and Germany seems safer. Despite the rumors of capsizing boats, they decide to pay smugglers to take them across the ocean to Europe. Their journey is a horrific one, and you will shudder to read what these refugees have to endure. This is a book about persistence selflessness and hope. A wonderful true story that was researched and very well written. Great job. A 5 star.

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.

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.

I ordered this on my kindle and I cannot even begin reading because the first page is missing!!! Total waste and I cannot even figure out how to get in touch so it can be fixed or I can get my money back! Not so sure I will buy another book on my kindle!!!