The Beekeeper of Aleppo

I was intrigued from the first line - I am afraid of my wife's eyes.

It was a clue that this is not just another book exposing the worldwide plight of refugees. Nuri, a beekeeper from Aleppo in Syria, takes us on the harrowing journey of love and loss, of senseless persecution and violence, of escape and hardship, as he and his wife Afra take the decision to run from their home having lost their only young son to the war. Afra was an artist, but has lost her sight from the effects of a bomb. She is obviously still grieving for her son and suffering from shock, she withdraws into herself and is now totally dependant on her husband as she learns to cope with her disability.

We follow them on their harrowing journey from Syria to Greece then Turkey, each leg splattered with fear, uncertainty and hardship. Their goal is the UK where a cousin has already arrived but it is by no means certain that Nuri and Afra will succeed in their aim - even if they arrive in the UK they will need to be granted asylum to be allowed to stay. They long to feel safe, to be able to process the world around them and as they encounter so many different cultures we marvel at how Nuri learns to appreciate beauty in the small things even as his mental state deteriorates.

Evidence of humanity on their journey is the only thing that keeps them going, human kindness and tolerance both from other refugees and the locals is a welcome break from the danger and fear of attack as they encounter a mix of drug dealers and NGO officials who are tasked with the control and containment of the growing number of refugees. An award winning and acclaimed novel which is as compelling as it is disturbing, it is definitely a 'must read'

Submitted by Jillian