The Ink Bridge

by Neil Grant

Each step becomes a heartbeat and I feel the distance between Omed and me closing. I remember when I first met him - when he had showed me what bravery meant. How he had stood up for what he believed. In the end that had been his undoing. The Ink Bridge is the compelling story of two young men: Omed, an Afghani refugee who flees the Taliban and undertakes a perilous journey to seek asylum in Australia; and Hector, an Australian boy afflicted by grief, who has given up on school and retreated into silence. Their paths meet at a candle factory where they both find work. But secrets fester behind the monotonous routine: secrets with terrible consequences. Powerful and compelling, Omed's and Hector's story will grip hold of your heart and not let go. 'A moving story that gives an insight into a well publicised yet unknown issue. The writing was wonderful and made it a pleasure to read.' Jemima, 15 'I loved this novel, not only does it show the reality of life in third world countries but also the purity of human emotions in realistic situations. The way the book is written is awesome.' Matt, 15

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, School

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Penni Russon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil does something few YA writers are brave enough to do, he writes voices from the margins, voices that ring with authenticity, voices steeped in narrative. Some characters only get a few lines, and yet they are so real and vivid, I would happily have had the novel spiral away and tell their stories instead (Sheila from Cambodia, I'm looking at you). The line-by-line writing is superb, some sentences are simply breathtaking.

The story is told in three parts: third person from Omed's perspective, a young Afghani guy persecuted by the Taliban who flees via people smuggling channels to Australia. The second is third person from Hec's perspective, a young Australian guy with a trauma of his own concealed. The link between these two characters is their inability to speak (Hec's silence is elective, Omed's forced upon him). This very nuanced link really emphasises one of the main themes of the novel, that of trauma and how we choose to respond to it (and the levels of choice available to different characters). The third section is in Hec's first person POV; Hec finds his voice in order to tell Omed's story (but, interestingly, not his own). Neil manages these voices without awkwardness. As in Rhinochasers and Indo Dreaming there are tricksters and mentors, shadows and guardians, slippery figures that have an almost magical presence, giving his novels a deeper resonance.

Neil tries to do a lot with his material, and there is so much to work with, but he also manages to keep his focus on one simple thread - the story of how the relationship between two young men can lead us to understand difference, and what can be more "different", more "other" in the early 21st century than a post-9/11 Afghanistan. This is the bridge he sets out to make, a bridge between two young men separated by culture, but also a bridge between reader and writer: an "Ink Bridge".

The highlight of this novel for me is sense of place, I really felt the sights and sounds, the chaos, the brokenness, but also the promise of Afghanistan by the end of the novel. Neil's own journey infuses the text (he travelled there to research this novel) without intruding on the narrative. Beautiful.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book I had been looking forward to reading very much, and as I read the first part of the novel, focussing on Omed and his story, I thought it would live up to my expectations. Omed's life is a dangerous one, full of violence and uncertainty. The scenes where his tongue is cut out were among the most emotionally effecting I have read. I was enjoying Grant's writing style and flourishes of prose. Then I started reading Hec's story...and then the story of Hec as an adult trying to reconnect with Omed and it lost me. I found Hec a difficult character to like. I found it difficult to picture him in the situations he found himself. I found it even harder to connect with him as an adult character as I did not know enough about him as a child (in the middle part of the book). Even the ending felt incomplete to me. I was surprised to find myself not really caring whether the two were reunited. It just felt like the story had lost momentum for me and resorted to some cliched media-driven vignettes. My favourite part was the section about Omed and his situation in Afghanistan. To me, that is where the story was and for that I give this book 3 stars. I am disappointed I can't give this a better write-up, because I certainly expected a lot more.

[Ernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be one of the best books of the year. I've read Neil Grant's two previous YA novels about surfing: "Rhino Chasers" tells of a road trip across the Nullabor then "Indo Dreaming" continues with the characters in Indonesia where Grant shows his knowledge and understanding of Asian cultures. Now he combines this cultural sensitivity and strength of character creation in new settings: Afghanistan and Melbourne. Two speechless, traumatised boys are brought together in this beautifully crafted two character narration that moves easily through time and settings to a great ending.
All Australians should read this book. We are a country of migrants and refugees have played a significant role in our cultural development. Very accessible for students years 9 - 12. Send a copy to your MP to convert attitudes to refugees.

[Shauna Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story bringing together two boys from opposite ends of the Earth: Omed from Afghanistan and Hector from Melbourne.
Divided into three parts Grant offers Omed's story first; his run in with Taliban violence and escape from his home at his mothers urging. Grant gives us a perspective on the desperation and sadness of a world that fails so many, before bringing us to more familiar scenes and Hec's unspeakable loss.
The boys meet at the factory of a man offering the lost and different at least an attempt at building a life; the fact that he turns out to be caught in a criminal web using the circumstances to profit from refugees, does little to change our view that he is essentially a good man.
The final section takes place many years after Omed's deportation, and shows us the multifaceted country of Afghanistan as Hec tries to find his friend.
The novel was short listed for a Children's Book Counil award, and the writing deserves recognition. Virtually every page demonstrates Grant's love, and grasp, of language, from simple uses of personification we can all sympathise with: 'Lunch to the late bell dragged itself, lead-eyed, around the clock', to similes neatly highlighting a moment:'Hec's heart was leaping about like a mouse in a bucket', and every page delights in some way.
This is a challenging story, not least because of the numerous acts of violence. Grant does not avoid the horror, but nor does he dwell on it. The misery that recent events in Omed's country have wrought might shock us, but Afghanistan has been in a perpetual state of conflict for generations - some would even say centuries. It is our lack of compassion for those caught in it that is lacking. Neil Grant provides at least some chance for people to appreciate what it is costing.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving, beautiful and heartbreaking. Although it was fiction, it was based on fact. The Ink Bridge was an amazing read, both the story and one liners were some of the best. Please please please read this work of art. It was a nice insight into the lives of Afgani people, and I think that everyone should read this book or ones like this, due to the prejudices surrounding these people. It shows you that these people are not just refugees and numbers. They are, in fact real people. It was a little bit of a relief to finish, due to the contents of it. Though it was fiction I don’t doubt that some of the events and people Hec meet are real, or at least there are people that are in those situations.

[Georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ink Bridge by Neil Grant, two silent boys. Omed a young boy from Afghanistan that travels across the world to Australia, he has some unresolved trouble with the Taliban and is drawn in by bad men. Hec an Australian boy who leaves school to work in the hopes it will help him deal with his mother's death. A beautiful story told of how the boys share a connection when they meet in Australia. I wish that Grant would have included how Hec's problems got resolved at the end of his chapter but nonetheless it was a heartwarming book to read. I recommend curling up against the window with a cup of tea and maybe a box of tissues to help you get through.

[Alexis S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book from start to finish, yet another book for English class that has honestly surprised me. I was lucky enough to get to see a presentation by Grant through my school and it was amazing to see him talk about his writing process and see pictures from his travels to Afghanistan/Kabul. It really just showed how dedicated he was to this book, ad how important it was for him to get it right, and this definitely shows through his writing. If you ever get the chance to read this, you should, it isn't my usual type of novel but it impressed me.

[Sarah Pollard · Rating 3 out of 5]

listen, it’s a great book. it’s been written beautifully and the metaphors and messages are stunning. but i can’t enjoy this book for the life of me cause i had to read it for school. i can’t look at this book without getting flashbacks to the typewriter motif. great book tho👍

[Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

its not bad

[♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

unfortunately, i didnt enjoy this book until the ending, even then, it wasnt something i would choose to read.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard to read and made no sense

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

half read

[Scarlett Budden · Rating 3 out of 5]

'The Ink Bridge' by Neil Grant was a very inspiring, well written novel. This book is written in three different parts, all in different perspective and about different elements of the story, which work together to create the heartening story of two silent boys. The novel started off with adventure and excitement, but as it continued the pace began to slow down, even so that when something bad happened, it was no longer am excitement for the reader. A lot of readers like to be kept on the edge of their seat while reading a novel, but while this novel did create moments of tension, it was no where near enough to keep the reader interested and excited. The emotional journey of the character was very good and inspiring at time especially towards the end when a female character is introduced. Throughout the book, circumstances cause you to feel a range of emotions such as anger, frustration, pity, sadness, happiness and excitement. Neil Grant did a good job of varying the emotions felt throughout the book, but the emotions felt while reader did not goes as deep as what would have been desirable.

The novel is predominately based around two young boys, both silent for their own reasons.
Omed, a young boy living in Bamiyan gets on the wrong side of the Taliban once he goes after them after the death of his good friend. They cut off his tongue, but even though he manages the escape them, he is still not safe. With the Taliban after him, Omed decides to flee his country for Australia and his remarkable journey is told along the way. He meets up with some astounding people along the way who help him to complete his journey, bet the one person who keeps popping up is not such a happy face for Omed. The 'snake,' as he is called causes nothing but trouble for Omed as he travels to Australia. The trials and tribulations of Omed as he journeys to Asutralia is what makes his story so remarkable and inspiring to read about. This first part of the book was the most exciting, although again it was slow paced at times. It rambled on about certain things that seemed irrelevant to the overall story, causing the reader to lose interest for parts.
Hec, an Australian boy after experiencing troubles of a different kind voluntarily gives up his speaking as he battles within himself. He quits school and is given a job at a candle factory where he meets up with Omed. Omed moves in Hec and his father and they form a friendship together, before they find themselves in trouble. This part of the book was less exciting and more confusing. It was difficult to tell what was going on most of the time and it was very slow paced and boring.

The story, while it was well written and established had a few too many coincidences for it to be completely believable. Omed's constant encounters with the Snake seemed a bit to coincidental to possibly be true. He seemed to run it to him a few too many times and it the most unlikely places. Hec and Omed's meeting at a candle factory was a possible coincidence, but it seemed a little over the top when he moved in with them as well. Omed's journey to Australia seemed very authentic and real, but the coincidences after that seemed to unlikely decreases the books sense of believability.

As a character, Omed was well established and easy to connect to. Even though he never spoke, due to his lack of tongue, you got this sense that he was so full of word and emotion. His courageous journey to Australia even through all the trials was awe inspiring. It makes you feel pity and sorrow for all the people who have to experience such hardship just so that they can feel safe.
Hec, however was not as well developed. As a character he was rather boring and unlikeable. His lack of speech for a completely different reason made him seem like a selfish and ungrateful person. He was a hard person to read about because he was very stubborn and unfeeling, he didn't seem to care about anything. As a reader it was almost impossible to connect with this undesirable character. The friendship and the journey of the two boys would have had so much more meaning if Hec had been a better developed character in which the reader could feel emotion towards. Their friendship was still one that made you think, but it was nowhere as good as it could have been.

Overall, while this novel had its faults at the beginning, the ending was very beautiful and inspiring. It teaches to never lose hope and to keep persisting. It taught the value of friendship, and the meaning that words can hold for some. Even though sometimes The Ink Bridge was slow paced and boring it still makes you feel a range of emotions from anger and frustration, to pity and sadness and even happiness. I must say that I did thoroughly enjoy the majority of this novel, not because of the action, but the messages and emotions it managed to convey towards its readers.

[Pidge ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆ ☾ ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this book for English last year and it was the first book I had to read that I actually enjoyed reading. I loved the story and how Hec went to go see Omed again. It was very heart warming.

[Sharon Marchingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ink Bridge
By Neil Grant
The Ink Bridge by Neil Grant has been shortlisted for the 2013 CBCA Children’s Book of the Year awards in the Older Reader category. It is a justifiable inclusion for this unique book that builds bridges between cultures. The book has twin stories and is told in three sections. The key players are Omed, a refugee who escapes Afghanistan and Hector and Australian boy who is in the depths of despair after the sudden death of his mother. Both are speechless, Omed, because his tongue was cut out by the Taliban and Hector, because he lost speech for a year after his mother’s death. Omed’s struggle is more a physical one as he flees his tormentors and makes the dangerous journey to Australia after being rescued when the boat he travels on is destroyed. Hector’s cross to bare is emotional as he comes to terms with the loss of his mother and being adrift in the world.
Omed’s story is one that has been told many times in young adult literature but this book adds a freshness that is truly Australian
Grant’s skill is his ability to capture character and to give them unique voices such that their personalities shine through the pages and sit in your living room, larger than life. Omed’s journey is fraught and there is a mixture of luck and adversity that enables him to arrive at a candle factory in Melbourne where he meets Hec. Both have a bond through their silence and form a lifelong friendship that traverses two countries. The third section sees them reunited in adulthood where each has found inner happiness.
This is an outstanding read and no holes are barred as the brutality of the Taliban and our detention system and refugee smuggling is explored. It is a page turning read that adds further insight into the human condition.

[Mallee Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad but realistic insight into an Australian teenager Hec, losing his mother who befriended an illegal Afghani immigrant who's tongue was cut out by the Taliban. As the two characters' bonds develop, Omed is caught and sent back to Afghanistan, but he is never forgotten by Hec.

[Rebecca Fung · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this story was fairly forgettable for me. There was some fairly competent writing and a heart-tugging story of an Afghani refugee, but only heart-tugging in a very general way. I didn't feel that his individual character stood out to me enough to compel me or draw me into the story. Snake was a fairly good villain.

[Aishah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both suffering from loss,
Both in need of each other.

The Ink Bridge is a beautiful book written by Neil Grant. It is a great book full of emotion and really what reality is to some people. It is based upon 2 boys and their experiences through adolescence.
Omed from Afghanistan, leaves his home full of fear for what will happen to his family and what will happen to him. He ends up as a refugee in Australia. The nook describes his troubles and struggles through the move. His trust issues, and his oral issues.
Hector, most commonly known as Hec is in mourning. He drops out of school and doesn't feel like he has a purpose in life.
Both of them end up meeting each other. Both silent boys, but this one event changes both their lives forever.
One of my friends picked out this book for me, saying it suited my style of reading. Previously I had read other books about children fleeing from war, either to somewhere safe or half way across the world as refugees. These stories really touched me. This story entered me in such a way, I won't ever forget it. I was reading another review which said it was for older readers, I am sorry but I disagree. I am 13 years old and to me this book shows that other people suffer more than us, and many of us teenagers can sort of find a way to relate to the character's situation.
Anyways, I really liked this book and it really made me emotional. I would recommend it to anyone into historic-fiction, but also to 12 years and above, as well as adults.
A beautiful book,
A great read.

[beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really different to my usual books. Yes, it was still YA, but a completely different aspect of YA. I doubted how much I would enjoy it to start with, but I did enjoy it. I found it confusing quite a lot of the time, which meant it took me a lot longer to read than normal. I'd give it a 2.5/5 stars. 

This book was a bit too over hyped on the actual book itself, which meant I went into it with extremely high expectations, which it, unfortunately, didn't quite reach. I am glad I read it though, because it's really made me think about things I never would have thought about previously to reading this. 

In my opinion, the book was too short, I think there should have been more detail, with a slightly more complicated story line and plot. But at the same time, I think it dragged on a bit at times. 

This book, for me, just didn't have the sort of effect I thought it would have on me, based off of the blurb of the book. 

I definitely enjoyed Hec's POV to Omed's, I think Omed was a bit dull to read about. I enjoyed the girl at the end who I can't remember the name of. But Hec was definitely my favourite. Although, I think they could all have used a bit more character development. 

So, altogether, I think it needed more character and plot development throughout the book, and I think the story line should have been slightly more complicated, as I felt as if is, it dragged on at times. 

[Endria Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE INK BRIDGE

(I've only read until p. 128)

Summary:
This book is about two boys, Omed and Hec.
Omed is a boy from Afghanistan. After making an enemy of the Taliban just like his father did, he is punished by the cruel men, his power to speak taken away. He seeks freedom in Australia.
Hector is a boy from Australia. After giving up on school, he has backed into silence and misery, in a world of his own.
Style of writing:
Because both boys in the world of silence (one physically disabled and the other willingly), there isn't much speak between these two main characters. But, the characters does a lot of thinking, and the reader can connect a lot of this to things that are happened and are happening in the world.
What I think:
This book consists of words that children might not understand. There is also a bit of swearing, but the overall story is heartwarming. There are also some depressing parts to the story which some people might not be able to handle.
What is unique?:
The story is really special, portraying a refugee and a boy that is in misery. Their paths come together in a candle factory where they both find work, which is interesting because both of them are silent.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start, a not totally satisfying ending, too many coincidences and plot developments due to luck, a few improbabilities...but it's still a thoughtful, page turning novel.

The first two pages set up the story, but they are waffly, lyrical writing, and will put off some readers. Once Omed's story starts, the pace picks up. Omed's life is in danger after a run in with the Taliban, who slice out his tongue. He has to flee Bamiyan, eventually making his way to Australia.

His path crosses with Hec, an Australian teen who is also mute, in this case from a trauma which the reader slowly discovers. A third part deals with Hec's journey to Afghanistan, many years later.

There were times when I didn't want to continue reading - the sheer difficulties faced by the people of Afghanistan, by refugees, the racism shown by some characters, the corruption make it quite depressing. And there were times when I felt I was being preached at rather than told a story. But there's enough plot and action to move the story along. Would appeal to thoughtful readers 13+ - there's no sex so it's "clean" but it's violent and complex in the issues presented.

[David Nott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, this is one of the most disjointed, plot-hole filled, and horribly unrealistic novels I have ever read in the specific Young-Adult genre. We were asked to read this for a school assignment, and honestly - I do not know why.

The book is written almost as if it is a poem, and from the start things seem very choppy and uneven. Somehow a 13 year old boy manages to crush the nose of a Taliban man's face, bite another's ear/cheek, and seriously maim another in the space of a few seconds - yet they are armed. Slightly unrealistic. Omed then is punished by getting his tongue cut out, and when he wakes up he finds out the Taliban are hunting him, yet they were just with him?

Is it well written (grammatically and so forth), yes. But the plot manages to bring the whole book down to a shameful level. The reader cannot relate to the characters because of the lack of description about them. Instead we are given short paragraphs about a dragon on weed/ice.

Never read this damned book - as it deserves to be sent back to hell...

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ink Bridge by Neil Grant. What a great read. I was totally immersed in the difficulties and heart rending stories of the two boys who are the main characters. The author's use of lyrical and beautiful language to describe the events as we journey with firstly, Omed and then Hec, through their struggles to be free, is captivating. The similes and images are original and delicate, capturing the landscape, the pain, the fear and the essence of the characters.
Omed escapes from his home in Afghanistan after witnessing the death of his best friend by the Taliban. He then begins a torturous journey accompanied by the ever present Snake to find himself across he other side of the world. Hec has his own issues after the loss of his mother. The friendship between the two boys as they attempt to find the meaning of life is palpable.

[Kerri Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

[CBCA Honour book 2013]

One of the best of this type of book that I've read in a long time. The story is about two boys, both silent for different reasons, who meet and become friends despite all the odds. The descriptive language of Omed's story in Afghanistan is so beautifully written if it wasn't such a tragic story. Hec's story is more difficult to grasp but catches the essence of the grittiness of his situation and the bleakness he needs to overcome. When the boys meet it is their silence that brings them together but it's their friendship that saves Hec who goes looking for Omed to complete their story. Beautiful resolution to this lovely novel.

[Pip Tlaskal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first third of this as OMad journeys from Afghanistan to Australia via a people smuggler and tragic boat trip ending in a detention centre. It is classically good YAL - quality writing, thoughtful language, strong themes and imagery. Yet my expectations were not fulfilled, we never see OMad have a happy life in Australia. The novel changes point of view to HEc and a journalist back in Afghanistan and we lose the thread of OMad, the character who we have grown to love. Very strange! The first third deserves the children's book council medal, but ultimately this novel did not entirely deliver on its great promise.

[Klara Louise (thatbiblioraven) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I begin? I did enjoy the book, lets start with that. It stated slowly and I did somehow know from the start that Omed would have to return to the Middle East.

The second part of the book with Hec was very much the classic misunderstood, smart, grieving teenager you find on books like this. It reminded me very much of 'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.'

The last segment of the book was the best as Hec put the final pieces of the story together and showed us the man we knew that he was capable of being. Overall I did enjoy this book.

[Meghan Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard-going, disjointed, with a shallow and unsatisfying ending. Grant tackles the topical issue of asylum seekers in Australia with sympathy and compassion, and this is the novel's redeeming feature. However, the glacial pace and implausible plot points undermine this. As I read it, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the sort of novel that middle school English/ Humanities teachers inflict on year eight students, before wondering why no one in the class chooses to read for pleasure. Great potential, but it just doesn't live up to its press.


CBCA short listed - older readers 2013

[Miffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories of Omed and Hec, two young men who can't and won't speak. Omed is an Afghan trying to escape the Taliban. Hec is an Australian trying to escape his memories. The first two parts are the boys' stories up until their late teens, and the last part is Hec's journey, as an adult, to find Omed. While this is a good book, it really didn't move me the way I thought it would. Three colleagues have read it and loved it.

[Bethany Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic novel that combines the life of Australia and the life of Afghanistan in a beautiful story of friendship that will make anyone appreciate Australia.
Grant's knowledge of the countries, cultures and religions explored in this book are enabled to be authentic due to the research and travel he has completed.
A book that would be brilliant for young adults to study at school to really open their eyes.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a number of very positive reviews about this book, but unfortunately it didn't do it for me. I found the plot slow and a bit disjointed and I never developed a deep understanding of the two boys. The book is divided into three parts and the only one I really enjoyed was the second part, where the two boys meet. I don't think this will have wide appeal for YA readers, although I can see English teachers being interested in this book.