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AP HUMA 1953 & CLTR 1953 Canadian Writers in Person Christopher Clarke Professor Dana Patrascu-Kingsley Wiki (Individual)

Dec 23rd 2022

Jack Wang, We Two Alone

We Two Alone by Jack Wang is a superbly crafted collection of short stories depicting the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants. The stories, although unrelated to one another, are based on meticulous research which allowed the author to create an almost chronological way of portraying Asian immigrants through decades of the 20th century and across different continents. There are plenty of narratives in all the stories that depict the suffering and challenges of Chinese families. These stories delve into the challenges and struggles faced by individuals who are caught between different cultures and traditions, and who often feel like outsiders.

This extremely eye-opening compilation not only teaches readers about Chinese culture but also helps them comprehend the various lifestyles of the Chinese diaspora. The characters in these stories grapple with issues of identity, belonging, and cultural assimilation, as they navigate the complexities of living in a foreign land while also trying to maintain their cultural heritage and values. They may face discrimination and prejudice from those around them, and may struggle to find acceptance and belonging in a society that is unfamiliar and often hostile to them. At the same time, these stories also highlight the resilience and determination of these individuals, as they strive to find their place in the world and make their mark on their new home. Through their struggles and triumphs, the stories in "We Two Alone" shed light on the unique and often difficult experiences of Chinese people living in Western societies, and offer insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating multiple cultures and identities.

The opening story of the collection which also resonates with me the most is "The Valkyries,". This story is set in early 20th century Vancouver, where it is risky to leave Chinatown at night due to the violence and tension caused by scarce job opportunities. The protagonist, Nelson, is a young boy who loves to play hockey, but is constantly ignored and ostracized by the coaches and other players because of his race. “The moment he entered, eyeballs slid and silence fell over the room” (Wang 23) and no one wanted to associate with him. Then during the tryout, “No one would pass to him. He kept finding open ice but the puck never came.” (Wang 24) Nelson's passion for the game of hockey is so tremendous that he is willing to jeopardize his life and job to participate in it. He decides he can play hockey by dressing as a woman if he can keep his identity a secret. The story follows this boy through his victories and setbacks, as well as through the consequences of his choices.

Consequently, I enjoyed the story and found it impactful in addressing important issues such as discrimination and sexism. It is important to recognize and address these issues in order to promote equality and fairness for all individuals, regardless of their race or gender. It is also important to continue having discussions and conversations about these issues in order to bring awareness and promote positive change in society.

Sheung-King, You Are Eating an Orange, You Are Naked.

You Are Eating an Orange. You are Naked by Sheung-King is an engaging story of a transnational couple's romantic involvement, showing nothing more than the relationship's rollercoaster as they go through life's difficulties. This recollection of their romance is intertwined with tales from their Asian upbringing in Western culture. The narrator, a young Asian man in his early twenties, falls in love with a nameless, enigmatic girl while travelling through Toronto, Macau, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Prague. The narrator utilizes folk stories as a way to express his love and tries to convey his feelings to her.

The book commences with the theme of separation anxiety in relationships and the complexities of human emotions. The passage begins with the reference to the film Chungking Express and the character Cop 223, who is dealing with the end of a relationship with his girlfriend. In the narrative, the metaphor of pineapples is utilized to illustrate the value of communication and understanding in relationships. "Do you enjoy pineapples?" (Sheun-King 13) is crucial since it encourages sincere discussion that is necessary for building a strong relationship with another person. This idea suggests that by being honest and open with each other, we are able to build deeper and more meaningful relationships. It highlights the importance of being able to talk about and share our thoughts and feelings with each other in order to truly understand and connect with one another. The passage also explores the idea of change and how people's feelings and preferences can change over time, as reflected in the reference to the ancient Chinese scholar Guo Po's belief that foxes can transform into different beings at different ages. Additionally, the passage touches upon the theme of perception and how different people can perceive and understand the same situation in different ways. This is exemplified through the dialogue between the narrator and his friend, who is more interested in hearing about the girl than the foxes. Overall, the passage seems to be exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships and the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining them as indicated by the reference to the thirty cans of pineapple in Chungking Express. This further acts as a foreshadowing of potential relationship issues to act as a theme throughout the book. The narrator's fear of losing his love to someone else is rooted in the fact that he loves her more than she loves him.

Nevertheless, these metaphors lead to a misrepresentation of his affections for her, prompting her to leave him heartbroken. Consequently, Sheung-King throughout his novel paints vivid images of private moments that persist in one's memory long after a relationship has ended.

The book utilizes a unique narrative structure, using second person narration and continuous dialog between characters to create a sense of drama. This approach can be effective in creating an immersive and interactive reading experience, as it allows the reader to feel like they are a part of the story and directly interacting with the characters. This technique is similar to the way a play or movie might use dialogue and character interactions to convey a story and create a sense of drama. The use of second person narration, where the reader is addressed as "you," can also add to this sense of immersion and make the story feel more personal and immediate. Overall, it seems that the author has used these techniques to create a dynamic and engaging reading experience that feels like a modern Shakespearian play.

Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, The Son of the House

The fictitious narrative The Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemeluke-Onuobia revolves on the lives of Nwabulu and Julie, two kidnapped women who share their personal histories with one another while they wait to be rescued. Through the eyes of two very different but surprisingly related women in Nigeria, the story examines issues of patriarchy and classism, themes of friendship and grief. We soon discover that these ladies come from all backgrounds and have varying perceptions of love, marriage, betrayal, deception, class, and survivorship. Both of them seek genuine love and happiness despite coming from rather different backgrounds. The narrative follows them on their individual quests to discover who they are and where they fit in the world. Soon realizing that for both of them, their ultimate power stems from the ability to bear a son who would inevitably belong to the father. It is a perceptive and reflective novel that will leave readers wondering about the true nature of power, traditions and customs that tend to establish lasting and profound effects on one’s life.

The novel is a work of fiction and uses various literary elements, such as character development, plot, theme, and imagery, to convey its message and create an immersive reading experience. It is written in the third person point of view, following the lives and experiences of the two main characters, Nwabulu and Julie. The novel also uses dialogue and inner thoughts to explore the characters' emotions and motivations. Additionally, the use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the narrative. Overall, the novel employs a range of literary techniques to engage and captivate readers.

One notable literacy tool used in The Son of the House is braided narration, which is a storytelling technique that involves weaving together multiple narrative threads or storylines. In this case, the novel alternates between the perspectives of Nwabulu and Julie, allowing readers to gain insight into their individual experiences and how they relate to one another. This braided structure allows for a deeper understanding of the themes and characters, as well as the intergenerational trauma within the Nigerian families depicted in the story. The use of braided narration also adds complexity and nuance to the narrative, as readers are able to see how the characters' stories intersect and how their choices and actions have an impact on one another. Overall, the use of braided narration in The Son of the House is effective in creating a multifaceted and engaging reading experience.

Consequently, The Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemeluke-Onuobia is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of love, friendship, and the quest for identity. Through the use of braided narration and a range of literary techniques, the novel delves into the lives of Nwabulu and Julie and the challenges they face as women in a patriarchal society. The novel offers a subtle detail and insightful look at the ways in which societal expectations and traditions can shape one's life, and ultimately, leaves the reader with much to consider and ponder long after finishing the last page.

Katherena Vermette's, The Strangers

Throughout her book The Strangers, Metis author Katherena Vermette depict the lives of multigenerational Indigenous women, Cedar, Phoenix and Elsie, living in Winnipeg, Manitoba whose trauma is passed down through their family lines leaving them trapped in their oppressive environment full of false hope. The book explores the lives of these women over the course of several years and delves into the challenges they face, including separation from their families, addiction, and the effects of trauma. Nothing is ever effortless for them. However, despite being faced with addictions, violence and abuse, these Indigenous women overcome obstacles with resilience and perseverance. Their fight to survive their struggles makes the characters relatable to other First Nations people who encounter similar daily difficulties. The plot is superbly written and appears to be entirely genuine. Despite pursuing separate lives, their paths cross, and the events that bring them together are both heartbreaking and uplifting, providing some solace and hope of making strangers become a family.

One of the central themes in The Strangers is the impact of trauma and how it can be passed down through generations. Many of the women in the book have experienced abuse, violence, and other forms of trauma, and this has had a significant impact on their lives. The trauma they have experienced shapes their relationships, their sense of self, and their ability to cope with the challenges they face.

Another important theme in The Strangers is the resilience and determination of Indigenous women. Despite the many difficulties they face, the women in the book refuse to give up hope and continue to fight for a better future. They show incredible strength and perseverance in the face of their struggles, and this serves as an inspiration to others.

Vermette's writing in The Strangers is powerful and authentic, and she does an excellent job of bringing her characters to life. Each woman is fully developed and complex, and their stories are raw and emotional. The book is a tribute to the resilience and strength of Indigenous women and offers a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

In addition to exploring themes of trauma and resilience, The Strangers also delves into issues of race, class, and inherited trauma. The book highlights the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women and the ways in which these issues intersect and compound. It is a searing exploration of the ways in which systemic racism and other forms of oppression can impact the lives of Indigenous women and their families.

There are several literary techniques used in The Strangers by Katherena Vermette. One technique used in the book is intertextuality, which refers to the way in which a text references or alludes to other texts. In The Strangers, Vermette uses intertextuality to reference traditional Métis stories and to draw connections between the experiences of the characters and broader themes and issues.

Another technique used in the book is shifting point of view, which refers to the way in which the perspective or focus of the narrative changes from one character or group of characters to another. In The Strangers, Vermette uses shifting point of view to allow readers to get a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of each of the main characters.

An additional literary technique used in the book is symbolism, which refers to the use of objects, people, or events to represent something else. Vermette uses symbolism in The Strangers to represent the themes and issues explored in the book, such as the impact of trauma and the resilience and determination of Indigenous women.

Finally, Vermette also uses techniques such as characterization, dialogue, and descriptive language to bring her characters and setting to life and to convey the emotions and experiences of the characters. Overall, Vermette uses a range of literary techniques in The Strangers to create a powerful and moving narrative that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous women. The novel is a beautifully written and story lines of each character are deeply moving and inspiring.

Pik-Shuen Fung, Ghost Forest

Pik-Shuen Fung's Ghost Forest is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the theme of loss and the significance of ordinary life experiences. The book is written in vignettes, which allows the reader to get a glimpse into the protagonist's life and the moments that have shaped her. The narrator is a young Chinese-Canadian woman who has not seen her father in a long time since her family relocated to Canada from Hong Kong. The story follows her journey as she struggles with the complexities of her relationship with her father, who is physically and emotionally distant.

One of the central themes of Ghost Forest is the importance of family and the role that it plays in shaping our identities. The book is very much a matrilineal story, as the narrator pieces together her family's past through questioning and listening to anecdotes from her mother and grandmother. This helps the reader to understand the context and history of the protagonist's relationship with her father and the cultural and ethnic issues that may have contributed to the difficulties in their relationship.

Another important theme of the book is loss and grief. The protagonist's father has passed away, and the book follows her journey as she comes to terms with this loss and learns to cope with her grief. Fung handles this theme with sensitivity and nuance, showing the protagonist's emotional journey in a way that is relatable and authentic. The book also touches on the theme of forgiveness, as the protagonist learns to forgive her father for his absence and to understand the sacrifices he made for his family.

In addition to these themes, Ghost Forest also explores the significance of ordinary life experiences. The book is filled with small, everyday moments that may seem unremarkable at first, but which are imbued with meaning and significance when viewed through the lens of grief and loss. This message is particularly poignant in the context of the protagonist's relationship with her father, as she realizes that it is the small, everyday moments that she cherishes the most and that will stay with her long after he is gone.

Consequently, Pik-Shuen Fung's Ghost Forest is an inspiring novel that delves into themes of family, loss, and the importance of ordinary life experiences. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a young Chinese-Canadian woman struggling with the complexities of her relationship with her father, the reader is shown the difficulties of maintaining a connection with a loved one who is physically and emotionally distant. The book also touches on the theme of forgiveness, as the protagonist learns to forgive her father for his absence and to understand the sacrifices he made for his family. The vignette style of the book allows the reader to get a glimpse into the protagonist's life and the moments that have shaped her, making it a relatable and deeply affecting read. Ghost Forest is a must-read for anyone who has experienced loss or who is interested in exploring the complexities of family relationships and cultural identity.

David Bradford, Dream of No One but Myself

The Plot, a poem from David Bradford's Dream of No One but Myself, is a deeply emotional and evocative exploration of themes of loss, grief, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and language, the author tackles with the idea of loss and his inability to hold onto the past. He speaks of letting go and saying goodbye but also expresses a sense of longing and a desire to return to a time when things were different. This makes the poem relatable as one’s desire to return to the past is a common theme in grief and loss, as we often wish we could go back and change what happened or have the opportunity to say goodbye one last time.

Throughout the poem, Bradford uses a range of literary devices to convey the speaker's emotional struggles and life experiences. For example, the speaker alludes to his complicated paternal relationship by mentioning "Already our old bloodied teeth, Our old flesh in a braid." (Bradford 45) This suggests a sense of conflict with his father, as well as a feeling of being stuck in the past and unable to move on. The use of metaphor helps to convey the speaker's deep sense of loss and grief, as he compares his feelings to a "carsick" (Bradford 48) and grieving state. The reference to a "brown-bag" (Bradford 48) and a "pine can" (Bradford 48) adds to the sense of isolation and confinement, perhaps suggesting that the speaker feels trapped in his own emotions and unable to escape the pain of his loss.

The poem's free-form structure and evocative language further contribute to its emotional depth and impact. The author’s raw, heartfelt feelings are laid bare for the reader to experience, inviting us to consider the ways in which we cope with loss and try to make sense of our experiences. The repetition of phrases such as "letting go" and "saying goodbye" (Bradford 48) emphasize the speaker's struggle to come to terms with his loss. The final lines of the poem, "No plot. Ever safe from anyone. Too late to help. Or stop letting what I lost. Be what I lost," (Bradford 48) suggest that the speaker has come to accept his loss, but is still struggling to come to terms with the finality of the situation – his father's passing. The use of the word "plot" in these lines could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's life or journey, and the fact that there is "no plot" suggests a sense of uncertainty and lack of control over the direction of his life. The phrase "too late to help or stop" further emphasizes the sense of loss and regret that the speaker is feeling, as he is unable to change what has happened. These final lines convey a sense of acceptance, but also a lingering sense of grief and struggle as the speaker grapples with the finality of his loss.

In essence, The Plot is a powerful and poignant poem that invites us to consider the complex and often difficult emotions that can arise as we navigate the challenges of life. It reminds us that grief and loss are an inevitable part of the human experience, and that it is often through these struggles that we are able to find strength and resilience. The speaker's raw and honest portrayal of his emotions encourages us to embrace our own vulnerabilities and to find ways to cope with and make sense of the losses we experience.

References

Bradford, D. (2021). Dream of no one but myself. Brick Books.

FUNG, P. I. K.-S. H. U. E. N. (2022). Ghost forest. ONE WORLD BALLANTINE.

Jack, W. (2021). We two alone. HarperCollins.

Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, C. (2021). The son of the House. Europa Editions.

Sheung-King. (2021). You are eating an orange. you are naked. BookThug.

Vermette, K. (2022). The strangers. Penguin Canada.

AP HUMA 1953 & CLTR 1953 Canadian Writers in Person Christopher Clarke Professor Dana Patrascu-Kingsley Reading Wiki

March 31st 2023

Iain Reid, We Spread

We Spread by Iain Reid is an inspiring book that compels readers to pause and think about their own lives. Every second that passes is a moment we will never get back. Penny, the protagonist, stands in for the human condition and the universal worry of falling short of one's potential but ultimately realizing that death is not the enemy and it is not to feared as eternal life lives forever.

As Penny recollects her partner’s death she realizes he’s admitting to his fears of dying and leaving her behind alone. "Before he died, when he was very sick, he told me how frightened he was. He was terrified of becoming obsolete and forgotten. He's never admitted being scared before that. Never. He said when you're so close to death, when it's right there, the depth of fear is enormous. He didn't want to die. He desperately wanted more time. He said he had so much more he wanted to do. He said he was scared for me, too, scared that I would have to go through the end of life alone." (Reid, 2022, p.5). This recollection makes Penny feel uneasy and allows her to realize that she also has limited time hear as now her wellbeing is deteriorating and her memory is starting to fail her.

As the story progresses, not only is Penny grieving the loss of her partner but also the loss of herself, her physical and mental freedom. Her story is an emotional and heartfelt reflection of the struggles that many aging people go through. Her regrets of unfished work and unaccomplished dreams are haunting her, reminding the reader to live life to the fullest and to appreciate every moment we have as precious time is slipping away. As the novel progresses Penny comes to terms with her time slipping away and recognizes the untruthfulness in the belief that life should be prolonged as much as possible. "This lie is one about life, that we need more of it, that we need to be more productive, produce more, that it has to be longer, that death is the enemy. It's not true. Infinity is a breathtaking mystery, or so I used to believe. Now I know it's not. infinity is stagnant. It doesn't expand. It can't. It's just immeasurable. It's not a mystery, it's simply endless." (Reid, 2022, p.254)

Penny now knows death is not an enemy and it does not end life. Life is eternal and infinite This infinity is not mysterious at all, but rather a stagnant and immeasurable concept. This metaphor for eternal life  and infinity, implies that there is more to life than simply prolonging it indefinitely. Perhaps the focus should be on making the most of the time we have, rather than trying to extend it indefinitely.

Consequently, We Spread by Iain Reid is my most favorite book read thus far. It is a compelling novel that urges us to reconsider our assumptions about life and death. The book encourages us to appreciate every moment we have, as time is a finite and fleeting resource. It reminds us to live before “all of us can finally rest.” (Reid, 2022, p. 282)

Tolu Oloruntoba, Each One a Funace

In the poetry collection Each One a Furnace, Tolu Oloruntoba uses birds as a metaphor for human experiences. Throughout this poetic collection, the author draws parallels between the behavior of birds and the struggles and joys of human life.

The first poem, Cutthroat is simple yet powerful. It appears to be a representation of how society often labels and stereotypes individuals based on their appearance or behavior. The author identifies himself as a "cutthroat," viewed by others as a threat to the society who is ruthless or violent. This label causes those around him to react with fear and suspicion, as evidenced by the line "they clutch their bags and flinch. The phrase "neck a red sash" (Oloruntoba, 2022, p. 3) is a powerful image that suggests violent nature of the cutthroat eliciting fear and aversion from others based on his looks.

Cutthroat seems to suggest that the way we label and judge others based on surface-level traits can be harmful and unfair. By using the imagery of a cutthroat, the author highlights the extreme nature of this tendency, and encourages the reader to reflect on how they might contribute to such stereotyping in their own live while allowing them to understand that deep inside, at the core of it all, we are all related and the same.

Atticus Finch by Oloruntoba, resonated with me as it explores empathy. The line "to walk around in a man's skin, you have to kill him or, watchman, watch him skinned, wear him for yourself" (Oloruntoba, 2022, p. 13) is a metaphorical representation of the idea that to truly understand someone else's perspective or experiences, you have to be willing to let go of your own biases or preconceptions and empathize with them so deeply that it is as if you are "wearing their skin"(Oloruntoba, 2022, p. 13) or walking in their shoes. Only then you are able to truly understand and share their feelings. Atticus Finch inspires readers to embrace the essential but difficult process of understanding others. It stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the deep level of understanding that is required to truly appreciate someone else's experiences and perspectives. It speaks to the need for us to be more open-minded, more compassionate, and more willing to learn from others. By embracing empathy, we can build stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive communities and create a better world for all.

Casey Plett, A Dream of a Woman

A Dream of a Woman by Casey Plett is a collection of stories connected through the exploration of gender. In particular, the story titled I Couldn't Hear You Talk Anymore, Plett tells the story of a transgender woman who is looking back on her life and reflecting on lost love and missed opportunities. On one hand, she is heartbroken and feeling a deep sense of loneliness. On the other hand, she finds comfort in the memories she shared with another transgender woman who truly understood her.

The story begins with the protagonist thinking about the first time she met the other woman. She recalls, "I think a lot about the first time we met. You were wearing that tomato paisley dress. Your hair was pulled high and hanging like a hook behind your neck. You were sitting next to me in the bar, which was unusual right away. Other women usually weren't there alone." (Plett, 2021, p. 123) This significant encounter marks the beginning of a meaningful connection with another person who understood the protagonist’s experiences as a transgender woman.

The narrator then goes on to describe her current life in West Broadway. She says, "I still live in West Broadway and I got the most gorgeous apartment last summer. You would love my building. My new place is on Good. It's huge, on the third floor, and it has a sunroom and a bathroom with hexagonal tiles. You would love it so much. My window's open, and it's snowing, but it's actually not cold at all. New flakes are coming down, pretty, American-style ones, fat and soft and quiet. It's starting to cover up the mulched snow out in the lane. I finally realized the other day what it reminds me of: the chocolate dirt that gummy worms stick out of in candy store displays. City snow. Everyone thinks it's gross, but I think city snow is beautiful. Like you know you live somewhere. This is an unusual night." (Plett, 2021, p. 127)

Despite her love for her new apartment, the protagonist is still filled with sadness and regret. She wishes that the other woman was there to share this moment with her and that they could have had more time together. However, she is also able to find comfort in her memories of the time she shared with the other woman. She recalls their conversations and the love that they shared. Although this relationship did not turn out the way she wished, she takes comfort in the memories they shared and the conversations they had.

The protagonist's reflections in I Couldn't Hear You Talk Anymore is a powerful reminder of the complexities of the human experience and the importance of experiencing love and relationship connection in our lives. This powerful and moving piece of literature is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find comfort and healing in even the most difficult of circumstances.

Liz Howard, Letters in a Bruised Cosmos

Liz Howard’s, book titled Letters in a Bruised Cosmos is a collection of poems that explore themes of identity, nature, and the human condition. The poems are complex, and often elusive, but they reward close reading and reflection.

One of the standout poems in the collection is Spring Letter.

“Waabooz, tracking through the last snow love is a root I stumble over in search of you” (Howard, 2021, p. 25)

This passage is a poignant and reminiscent reflection on the complexities of love and the human condition. The poem, which is steeped in imagery drawn from the natural world, explores the poet's search for a loved one and his or her own internal struggles.

The first line of the poem, "Waabooz, tracking through the last snow," (Howard, 2021, p. 25) sets the scene for a season of transition, growth and introduces the central metaphor of the poem, that of tracking. The poet is on a search, and this search is entrenched in love, represented as a "root" that she stumbles over in her pursuit of the beloved. This image of the poet as a tracker, stumbling over roots and searching for signs of the beloved, creates a sense of urgency and determination. The next line, "Geese fly backwards in my mind, a rewind," (Howard, 2021, p. 25) suggests a sense of nostalgia or longing, as the poet recalls past experiences or memories. This is reinforced by the image of the tamaracks, which "sees just perfectly," as if they have an omniscient view of the poet's thoughts and emotions. This image suggests a sense of vulnerability, as the poet is exposed to the natural world, which seems to know him intimately.

The following line, "there is no way to trap the anxious rabbit of me," suggests a sense of anxiety or unease, as the poet struggles to control his own emotions and desires. This image of the rabbit also suggests a sense of vulnerability, as the poet is at the mercy of his own fears. This vulnerability is highlighted by the image of the poet's "hide," or skin, which "reorders itself inside the brush of wide time." (Howard, 2021, p. 25) This suggests a sense of impermanence, as the poet's physical form is subject to the passage of time.

In summary, Letter in a Bruised Cosmos is a collection of poems that delves into intricate themes of identity, nature, and the human experience. While the poems may require a careful and thoughtful approach to unravel their complexity, they offer a deeply rewarding reading experience. Liz Howard's remarkable talent as a poet is evident throughout the collection, and her work deserves recognition and appreciation from a wide readership.

Omar El Akkad, What Weird Paradise

Omar El Akkad's What Weird Paradise is a stunning and heartbreaking story depicting the struggle of migrants in the modern world. The true portrayal of the hurt and suffering of migrants in this book is surreal to the point that it takes us on an emotional rollercoaster allowing readers to identify with the range of feelings migrants face when they leave their homes in search of safety in foreign countries.

The novel's opening epigraphs provide insight into the story's core ideas and concepts. The first epigraph, from Ambrose Bierce's short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," describes two men blocking the ends of a footbridge, ignorant of the significance of the central location. This quote can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of the refugees, who are also on a journey without fully understanding the consequences of their choices and what’s ahead of them. They are merely trying to survive, to find safety and security, without knowing the ultimate destination of their journey.

The second epigraph, from J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," is spoken by Peter's creator, the writer himself. This quote precedes what’s to come as the migrants suffering should have taught them to be courageous and practical, they may still be looking for a reason to grow and improve their lives. This theme is also shown in the novel as we witness the young boy's struggle to understand his journey and his role in the world.

As we travel alongside the protagonist on his journey, the author makes certain that the emotional depiction in his book is so severe that we can almost touch it, feel it and identify with the world around him through our own senses. The stories feel graphic and factual. To the point that we can understand and relate to the boy's emotions of fear and uncertainty as he navigates the dangers and the unknown of his journey.

Coincidently, the novel also confirms unwavering strength and fortitude of hope that refugees maintain despite the constant obstacles they face. We experience firsthand their deep and unbreakable family bonds of love and devotion. This theme of compassion and selflessness is show us the importance echoed in the second epigraph, which hints at the characters' desire to find a sense of significance and direction in their lives. These small moments of compassion remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is still kindness to be found in in people around us and through these acts of kindness our shared humanity can unite us and give us strength to overcome even the most trying of circumstances

El Akkad’s portrayal of the emotional realities of the refugee struggles is a sincere reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in understanding the hardships that others face. It’s an encouragement for us to get involved and assist those in need as it is also our responsibility to help those less fortunate. Most importantly, it is our duty as citizens of Canada to welcome all refugees with open arms to safety of our country.

References

Akkad, E. O. (2021). What strange paradise. McClelland & Stewart.

Howard, L. (2021). Letters in a bruised cosmos. McClelland & Stewart.

Oloruntoba, T. (2022). Each one a furnace. McClelland & Stewart.

Plett, C. (2021). Dream of a woman. Arsenal Pulp Press.

Reid, I. (2022). We spread. Scribner.