Courageous Journey: Walking the Lost Boys’ Path from Sudan to America
by Ayuel Leek Deng, Beny Ngor Chol & Barbara Youree
Published by New Horizon Press
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Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali
Courageous Journey profiles the lives of young boys in Sudan who in order to flee persecution had to walk to Ethiopia. There they lived in refugee camps and were finally taken in by the United States and other countries. Most of the story focuses on Ayuel’s experiences, thoughts and feelings. It is heart wrenching to realize that these men were driven out of their homes by gunfire and explosives when they were around six, and remained refugees until they were in their late teens or early twenties!
The narrative follows the lost boys as they flee burning villages, most separated from family and friends in the chaos. They form new bonds with those in their group, worry about their loved ones, help those in their group, and most of all try to stay alive– a tall order at a tender age. They walk to Ethiopia through the desert fending off starvation, disease, animals, and helicopter gunfire.
We read about their hopes and dreams–how these hopes are raised, how they get dashed, how it takes a toll on their will to live, and ultimately on their lives. We read about the brutality and death they witness caused by both natural and political conditions. We witness the monotony of life in the refugee camp, and the little hope such a life holds for all at the camp.
When Ayuel gets picked to come to America, we follow his orientation sessions, his journey to America, more orientation, and how he and the others adapted to live in an American city. On the heels of Ayuel’s arrival to America, 9/11 happens. In the aftermath of 9/11 we read about their fear of those left behind (will America stop taking in innocent refugees), and the heightened fear they come to have for being mistaken as terrorists. As they settle into normal lives, we see how they try to contact each other (sometimes across continents), and the joy when they reunite with their loved ones who now live hundreds of miles away.
The backdrop of this book is highly politically charged. However, the narrative remains focused on the human elements of fleeing one’s country, enduring hardships to get to a refugee camp, acclimating to life in a camp, and finally rebuilding one’s life in an adopted country.
Armchair Interview says: Be prepared to shed many tears while reading this book.