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100 pages 3 hours read

Atia Abawi

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi follows Tareq, a teenage refugee from Syria, as he flees to Turkey, Greece, and eventually Germany, seeking safety for himself and his sister Susan after their family is torn apart by a bombing. The story intertwines with that of Alexia, an American student volunteering to assist refugees in Greece. Destiny narrates, connecting Tareq’s journey with broader refugee experiences and emphasizing empathy and the impact of uncontrollable circumstances. The book contains scenes of war, violence, and trauma endured by refugees.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi is a poignant and timely exploration of the refugee crisis, blending heart-wrenching narratives with hope. Reviewers praise its emotional depth and well-researched depiction of hardships. However, some find the multiple perspectives somewhat disjointed. Overall, it’s applauded for its powerful storytelling and relevance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Land of Permanent Goodbyes?

Readers who were moved by Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and want to explore the human side of the refugee crisis would find Atia Abawi’s A Land of Permanent Goodbyes compelling. This book appeals to those interested in emotional, socially relevant narratives that illuminate the resilience and struggles of displaced peoples.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Lexile Level

760L