From the best-selling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns comes Khaled Hosseini’s brilliant new short work of fiction, Sea Prayer.
His book Sea Prayer comes at a time when we face a prevalent refugee crisis and is written as a poetic letter from a father to his son, Marwan, on the eve of their journey across the sea. It begins by the father recalling his childhood spent in Homs, Syria and vividly describing the city. It seems like his son never had the chance to experience Homs, the same way his father had.
I wish you remember Homs as I do, Marwan.
In its bustling Old City,
a mosque for us Muslims,
a church for our Christian neighbors,
and a grand souk for us all
to haggle over gold pendants and
fresh produce and bridal dresses.I wish you remembered
the crowded lanes smelling of fried kibbeh
and the evening walks we took
with your mother
around Clock Tower Square.
Illustrations
This book is gorgeously illustrated by Dan Williams and creates a visual narrative to the fathers monologue in the story. His water-color images follow the tone of the book, moving from light serene colors to dark images that represent the siege and battles that erupted in Syria. No image is too graphic, rather they all subtly portrays the sentiments of letter. This makes it suitable for younger children too.
Commemorating
That harrowing image of a toddler boy who was lying face down on a beach and then being carried by a police officer has been etched into so many hearts and minds. The memorable image is that of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi. Sea Prayer was inspired by that toddler, who drowned while attempting to cross Greece with his family. This book pays tribute to him and many other families who leave worn torn cities in hopes for a safer future.
Why you should buy this book?
Proceeds from the sale of Sea Prayer go towards the The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, UNHCR, and the UN Refugee Agency.
It is for readers of all ages starting from 7 years and up. Perfect to share with your children!
It serves as a universal reminder of the humanitarian crisis that exists today and the risks people take when in despair for a single moment of peace.
This powerfully narrated and illustrated book needs to be on your bookshelves!
You can purchase Sea Prayer through my affiliate link.
Until next time!
an introverted blogger 
I loved the kite runner ,definitely I’m now curious about this one.thanks for sharing
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Beautiful review! This book is on my TBR and I can’t wait to read it.
You should check out Warsan Shire’s poem, Home. It’s about immigration too, and it’s very touching.
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Thanks! Will do!
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I’m not a fan of Hosseini but your review was awesome. I also adored the layout and illustrations of the book. Glad the proceeds will be going to humanitarian causes.
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I’m glad you liked the review and yes it’s a good cause! I am curious to know why you aren’t a fan of Hosseini’s writing? I’ve not come across many people who say this, and now you have sparked my curiosity!
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Actually my main reason is that I feel he takes advantages of refugees. That he doesn’t write from the heart. Also, he has spent very less time in Afghanistan so he has less personal experience with writing about the tragedies related to that country. Furthermore, I feel his pacing is boring and that he writes about characters which one can only feel sorry for and cannot relate to.
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Beautiful review! I am a fan of Khaled Hosseini’s books and its wonderful to hear about the author’s new book. Such an important read and I love that the proceeds are being donated too.
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That’s exactly what I thought. A few people mentioned checking it out at the library first, before buying it. But I justified it, because it was for a good cause.
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Love the illustrations and the lay out! Since you have mentioned that it’s perfect to be shared with children, I am assuming the over all aftereffect was not too heart breaking?!
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Absolutely Shehla! This can be shared with children. No image is too graphic and no words too harsh. A perfect way to share the plight of refugees with children. Also, it is a very short book, so perfect for children too.
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