TL;DR
'Refugee' by Alan Gratz intertwines the harrowing journeys of three young refugees—Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud—across different eras and locations, revealing their shared quest for safety and home.
What is Refugee about
'Refugee' by Alan Gratz is an action-packed novel that explores themes of courage, survival, and the quest for home through the harrowing journeys of three young refugees. The story follows Josef, a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s; Isabel, a Cuban girl escaping the hunger crisis of 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy seeking refuge from war-torn Aleppo in 2015. Although separated by continents and decades, the characters' stories converge through shocking connections, highlighting the timeless and universal struggles faced by refugees. Written for young readers, the novel provides an unflinching yet sensitive portrayal of the hardships and resilience of those seeking a safe place to call home.
Refugee 7 Key Takeaways
Josef's Flight from Nazi Germany
Josef Landau is a Jewish boy in 1930s Germany. His family tries to escape to Cuba aboard the MS St. Louis, but their journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty as they face the harsh realities of anti-Semitism.
Isabel's Escape from Cuba
Isabel Fernandez is a young girl living in Cuba during the 1994 hunger crisis. Her family decides to flee to the United States on a makeshift boat, facing treacherous waters and the threat of being caught by authorities.
Mahmoud's Journey from Syria
Mahmoud Bishara is a Syrian boy whose home is destroyed by a missile in 2015. His family sets out on a perilous journey to Europe, navigating dangerous routes and encountering both hostility and kindness along the way.
Connection of the Stories
Despite being separated by time and geography, the stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are intertwined through shocking connections, illustrating the shared experiences and struggles of refugees across different eras.
Josef's Fate
Josef's story ends tragically when he volunteers to be taken by the Nazis to save his sister Ruth. Both he and his mother perish in concentration camps, but Ruth survives and later helps Mahmoud find his sister Hana.
Isabel's New Beginning
Isabel's family successfully reaches the United States, where they begin a new life. Her story offers a glimmer of hope amidst the struggles, showcasing the possibility of a fresh start for refugees.
Mahmoud's Reunion
Mahmoud's journey culminates in a poignant reunion with his sister, Hana, who was taken in by a family in Germany. This moment underscores the resilience and enduring spirit of refugees.
Top Refugee Quotes
- 'No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.'
- 'We are all just trying to live our lives the best way we can.'
- 'You can live as a ghost, waiting for death to come, or you can dance.'
Who should read Refugee?
'Refugee' is ideal for young readers aged 10 and up, as well as adults interested in understanding the refugee experience. The novel provides both an educational and emotional journey, offering readers a deeper appreciation of the courage and resilience of those who seek refuge.
Refugee Best Reviews
- 'Refugee' is an ambitious novel that makes the reader both cry and cheer. The courage of the characters will stay with you long after the final page is turned. - Publishers Weekly
- Gratz's stirring novel humanizes the plight of refugees worldwide. Each character's journey is unique yet universal, making the story both educational and deeply moving. - Kirkus Reviews
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Refugee FAQs
Is the book 'Refugee' for kids?
Yes, 'Refugee' is intended for young readers aged 10 and up. It truthfully portrays the situations faced by refugees without being gratuitously violent or scary.
What is the story of 'Refugee'?
'Refugee' follows the stories of Josef Landau, a German Jew in the 1930s, Isabel Fernandez, a Cuban girl in 1994, and Mahmoud Bishara, a Syrian boy in 2015, as they seek refuge from their respective crises.
What happens to Josef at the end of 'Refugee'?
Josef volunteers to be taken by the Nazis to save his sister, resulting in his death and his mother's death in concentration camps. His sister Ruth survives and later helps Mahmoud find his own sister.