The Lightless Sky: My Journey to Safety as a Child Refugee

(Paperback, Main)

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Now updated with extra material.

'To risk my life had to mean something. Otherwise what was it all for'

Gulwali Passarlay was sent away from Afghanistan at the age of twelve, after his father was killed in a gun battle with the US Army. Smuggled into Iran, Gulwali began a twelvemonth odyssey across Europe, spending time in prisons, suffering hunger, making a terrifying journey across the Mediterranean in a tiny boat, and enduring a desolate month in the camp at Calais. Somehow he survived, and made it to Britain, no longer an innocent child but still a young boy alone. In Britain he was fostered, sent to a good school, won a place at a top university, and was chosen to carry the Olympic torch in 2012.

Gulwali wants to tell his story - to bring to life the plight of the thousands of men, women and children who are making this perilous journey every day. One boy's experience is the central story of our times. This memoir celebrates the triumph of courage and determination over adversity.

Reviews

An extraordinary man - achieving against all odds -- Jon Snow * Twitter *
Riveting * The Bookseller *
[A] powerful account of a year-long journey to Britain... As a call for Europe and Britain to do more for the world's refugees, the book is as powerful as that harrowing picture of the dead toddler on the beach. * The Times *
This is a harrowing but necessary must-read about an exceptional young man. * Stylist *
The Lightless Sky is a heart-rending read that illuminates the plight of unaccompanied minors forced to leave their homes and loved ones. [Passarlay's] fierce intelligence is apparent throughout... His powerful account is a testament to the courage of all those fleeing conflict in search of safety. * The Independent on Sunday *
Beautifully written... It should be required reading in British schools. * The Big Issue *
A Book of the Year * New Statesman *
A story which moved me to tears more than once * Women Together *

Author Bio

Gulwali Passarlay was sent away from Afghanistan as a young boy, fleeing the conflict that had claimed his father's life. Now he is a graduate of the University of Manchester with a degree in Social Science. Gulwali is a member of many prestigious political, aid, and youth groups. In 2012 he was invited to carry the Olympic torch.