The University of Leicester declared itself as a University of Sanctuary in November 2018. In becoming a University of Sanctuary, Leicester is striving to make itself a place that is understanding towards the needs of refugees and asylum seekers, is welcoming to them and provides opportunities through a range of initiatives.
In celebration of Refugee Week, we have compiled a reading list of titles that bring you the unique stories and experiences of those forced to leave their home countries.
Travelers: a novel by Helon Habila
This is a novel about a Nigerian graduate student, now living in America with his American wife. When they travel to Berlin their story becomes interwoven with snapshots of others who have been displaced from African and Middle Eastern nations and are now seeking asylum in European and North American countries. At a time when refugees are often dehumanised in the media, Habila brings us fleshed out characters with memories and aspirations for a safer future.
Available in the library here.
The end of time by Gavin Extence
This is a story about two teenage boys and their plight to escape war-torn Syria. Extence writes an informative account of how these young boys flee their country, navigate border control and face incredibly dehumanising treatment throughout their journey in the hopes of making it into the UK. There’s a powerful message in this story about acting with kindness and helping where we can.
Available in the library here.
We are displaced by Malala Yousafzai
Incorporating the stories displaced girls she has met through her work, Malala Yousafzai narrates her own story of being displaced, one that many of us are familiar with. Amplifying the experiences of these incredible young women and giving their names, Malala reminds us these are real people who are going through real struggles. These stories highlight what it means to lose your home and everything you know and is a timely reminder that everyone deserves a safe place they can call home.
Available in the library here.
The lightless sky: my journey to safety as a child refugee by Gulwali Passarlay
A gripping and moving book about a young boy who flees Afghanistan and endures a terrifying journey in the hands of people smugglers to make it to the UK. It’s harrowing to read at times and really opens your eyes to the horrors refugee’s experience. This book brings home the responsibility we all have helping those caught in dangerous circumstances that are not within their control.
Available in the library here.
The ungrateful refugee by Dina Nayeri
As a child, Nayeri was forced to flee Iran with her family and in this book she chronicles their experience of surviving in a refugee camp before eventually being granted asylum in the USA. In alternating chapters, Nayeri incorporates the stories other refugees and their journeys from escape to asylum and resettlement. Nayeri captures how it feels like to be seen as a burden, to experience prejudice and the expectation to be perpetually grateful. This book is a call for human dignity, especially for those who have been forced from their home countries.
Available in the library here.
Banthology: Stories from unwanted nations edited by Sarah Cleave
In 2017 President Trump signed an executive order that banned people from seven Muslin majority countries from entering the USA. By doing so he effectively banned refugees fleeing perilous situations and seeking asylum. This short anthology brings seven stories from each of the seven banned nations to champion and amplify the stories of those caught in dangerous situations.
Available in the library here.
The girl who smiled beads: A story of war and what comes after by Clemantine Wamariya
A memoir by Clemantine Wamariya, who aged six ran from Rawanda with her fifteen year old sister Claire. Clemantine shares the horrors of war and genocide, the prejudice of trying to resettle into a country where she can never be what the people around her want her to be and the struggle to heal. It’s raw and difficult to read and incredibly sobering.
Available in the library here.
Escaped from Syria by Sarah Hussain
This is a fictionalized account that echoes the real circumstances of those displaced and forced to escape their countries. This book follows the journey of Latifah, a young girl who loses her family in a chemical weapons attack. It’s a harrowing journey that highlights the horrifying reasons why people are compelled to leave their homes.
Available in the library here.
Refugee boy by Benjamin Zephaniah
This is the story of a young boy who comes to London for a “holiday” with his father only to then be left behind. His parents decide to leave him in London so he can get away from the political problems in his home country and claim refugee status. It’s a compelling insight into the struggles to fit in with a new culture and navigate the complex legalities of claiming asylum.
Available in the library here.
