Out of Iraq: The Terrifying True Story of One Man's Escape from the Harshest Regime of the Modern Era

by Lewis Alsamari

Aged 17, Lewis Alsamari was conscripted into the Iraqi army. Things went from bad to worse once his superiors discovered his ability to speak English, and Lewis was selected for Saddam's elite, top secret intelligence service, an offer he literally could not refuse. This left him with only one option - to escape from his native land, leaving his family behind him...

Going under the wire of the army compound where he was posted, Lewis was shot in the leg, making his escape - which required a gruelling journey in disguise across the desert at night with a group of Bedouin, at the mercy of ravenous wolves - all the more arduous. Against the odds, Lewis survived this trek, made it across the border into Jordan, and eventually sought asylum the UK, where he had spent his childhood.

Now he had to work out how to rescue his mother, brother and sister, who had been apprehended by security forces and thrown into jail once Lewis's escape became known. The only thing which could help was money and lots of it, so Lewis fraudulently transferred �37,000 from the accounts of William Hill (where he had a temporary job) into his own bank, and wired it to Baghdad in order to pay the necessary bribes. But, of course, it wasn't quite that simple...

Out of Iraq is an exhilarating and terrifying story of one man's escape from one of the harshest regimes of the modern era. It is testament both to the strength of the human spirit and to the extremes we'll go to in order to keep our loved ones safe.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Middle East, Memoir, Ebooks, Autobiography

393 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[blackness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy fast read that was also quite enlightening and educational. It is all about the desire and difficulties of one person trying to get out of Iraq in the early 90s. Then how he tried to rescue the rest of his family.

It was challenging because I was born with an American passport and can pretty much walk into any country in the world unannounced. The author had to fight, run, steal, and hide his way just to get to a country so he might be able to fight, run, steal, and hide his way AGAIN to get to the UK.

Makes me thankful and able to see refugees in a little bit of a different light.

[Veeral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book but the thing that stayed with me was Lewis Alsamari's teenage feelings for a girl while he was on the run.

It was just a brief not-so-deep feeling (it was infatuation really) for the girl but it somehow stayed with me. I pondered for a longtime about what he would have done to get the girl if he was not on the run from Iraq.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews for the books I read, but WOW. This is a story I will remember. I picked this up at a used book store, and after turning the last page, I'm sincerely confused why it isn't more popular. This is a well-written, nail-biting narrative that gets your blood pumping and your heart stopping all at the same time. I learned a great deal about a land and a people I realized I really didn't know much about at all. It's provided me some new insights into issues like immigration, war, the Arab world and what it truly means to love your family.

Read this book. (As a caution, I'll say the details of suffering under Saddam's reign of terror are jarring.) Though now I've explored these pages and contemplated this story, I feel more connected to humanity as a whole. And for that I'll say, it's worth the read!

[Bill Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating story that highlights how great human intelligence work really happens. Human intelligence is often ordinary people doing extraordinary work. This is a perfect example of how people are recruited and used to gain information into an impenetrable government. Lewis Alsamari is quite simply a hero that helped the west to understand what was truly going on in Iraqi military intelligence. He risked his life every day to help topple Saddam Hussein. Lewis Alsamari has crafted a great work and this book captured my attention on every page.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the most gripping, intense, amazing book! I have ever read!
I was hooked from the moment I started reading it! Lewis’ determination throughout the book was incredible! You felt as though you were going along the journey with him! So much emotion!
I didn’t want to put the book down!

If anyone is looking for a book to read! It’s go to be this one! Definitely worth the read!

[Guy David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply staggeringly amazing. Chapter after chapter is like being on the edge of your seat with a ticking bomb under my table. Utterly satisfying yet exhausted for Sarmed going through what he went through. Unimaginable having to deal with things we in the west cannot begin to fathom. Giving it to my wife to read it so she would appreciate what we have before I divorce her for lack of gratitude!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thìs is not a relaxing read. However having similar stories of ones trying escape the harsh Iraqi regime under Sadaam Hussein, I feel compelled to recommend it for readers to think and act kindly towards assylum seekers who just want to live their lives in peace.

[Mike Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the horrific life imposed on residents of Iraq during the Saddam era and the lengths at which some residents will go to escape.

[Bryoni Hartridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible, and very important, read

[Mel Forren · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are so privileged in the United States. If you need reminded of that, read this book. With all that seems unlawful here, it probably doesn’t compare to living under the direction of Saddam.

[Amber Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over the past decades, American media has filled our ears with news of Saddam Hussein and Iraq. Through a read such as Lewis Alsamari's account, the reader receives an insider's perspective on life in the war ravaged, tyrant-controlled country. His account touches on the effects of Saddam's reign of terror upon both his personal life and that of his family. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird advised Scout to walk around in the other person's shoes to grasp a glimpse of what his life is like and to attempt to understand his perspective. Reading Lewis's book has given me a peek into the lives of those in Iraq who find themselves caught in the middle of selfish regimes and the dangers of war. Living in the USA has afforded me countless privileges and blessings that others around the world, especially those in countries like Iraq, do not know. However, through this literary work, I have witnessed yet again the hope that lies in all human beings. Lewis had hope to be reunited with his family, a hope that drove him to great lengths.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarmed Alsamari grows up in Iraq and when he is drafted into the Iraqi army, he knows he must leave. He does not agree with nor want to help serve Saddam Hussein and his sadistic regime. With the help of his dear uncle, Sarmed is able to escape to Syria, but it is through tense negotiations and a few false starts. He eventually makes it to England but has to return to the Middle East and help the rest of his family escape to freedom. I was on the edge of my seat a few times, quite sure his new identity in foreign countries would be detected and he'd be sent back. By the grace of some sympathetic friends, and even strangers, he is able to make it to freedom. There are bumps along the road, though. I can't imagine not having the freedom I have her in America - I think we take it for granted all too often.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly stumbled upon this book at a thrift store and, while it isn't the kind of book I usually seek out, I ended up grabbing it because it looked interesting. And it ended up being quite the page-turner. This book will remind you that what you take for granted, being born into western civilization, the idea of liberty, is a remote abstract idea that a good portion of the world's population doesn't possess. The little liberties are what struck home for me, from not having access to bananas and Coke to not being able to drive anywhere without hitting several checkpoints and having to show your identification papers. I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like for these people to have grown up under such a ruthless regime; to not be able to trust anyone and to live in constant fear for your life. Alsamari is an inspiration to anyone in an oppressive situation.

[Rpm5099 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptionally well written for someone who is not a native English speaker, although it may have been ghosted, I'm not sure. It was an interesting look into the difficulties of escaping an oppressed country, and the author comes across as a genuinly likable guy with the exception of the political ran in the appendix. Overall it was a very good read and I would recommend it even if you care nothing about middle east politics because that is not what this book is about.

[Hava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape from Saddam by Lewis Alsamari is a pretty good autobiography, especially if you’re interested in learning more about Middle Eastern politics from an insider. It centers around Lewis Alsamari, a boy who lived in Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s reign... Click here to continue

[Anneobriencarelli]

If you can get by the rough translations and movie-script tone, this true story is worth the read. I'm not sure what has been verified, but it seems to be an accurate depiction of what I have read elsewhere and heard from refugees. Billed as a "thriller" it's actually a non-fiction account and gives insight into the difficulties of escaping oppression.

[Sheena Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alsamari describes his journey from his school days in Iraq, to joining the Iraqi army as a teen, escaping from the army, later helping his family escape, and then eventually becoming an actor in Hollywood. It's very, very interesting and eye opening as to what people in war ravaged and oppressive countries go through for freedom. Makes me appreciate what I take for granted.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot imagine living in fear and oppression the way the Iraqi people did when Saddam was in power. This book recounted one man's narrow escape and his attempts to make a life for himself while wondering how to get his family out as well. I found it very interesting and it made me stop and appreciate all the freedoms we enjoy in the USA!

[C_Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fascinating and interesting story about a young boy who lives in Iraq under the regime of Saddam Hoesein. He and his family went through so much difficulties to escape this land of horror!

I'm glad I read it, now I feel even more blessed with my life and I know I should be a lot more thankful!

This book is great for everyone who likes real stories and wants to know more about Iraq.

[Deb Krzyzaniak]

This was a terrific book. Very fascinating to get a first hand look at life under the Saddam Hussein reign and how it affected one family; the difficult choices one man made and how his whole family
was changed. I highly recommend this book!

[Clay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally thought that the whole book would be about his escape just from Iraq. This book made me realize that it is a real blessing to live in America. This book was really good ,and I enjoyed it cover to cover.

[Rajan]

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[Reni]

veerything

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredible because it is nothing that I can even begin to imagine. The way people treat other people is amazing. How can it be????

[Meridee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate and I read this together a couple of years back - really interesting, and not a little disturbing.

[Daniel Goh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh insight into the Saddam regime from an Iraqi's point of view; such atrocities never imagined and told by the press.

[John Tullis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I COULDN'T PUT THIS DOWN. IT IS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE IN THIS DAY AND AGE THAT SUCH BARBARIC RULE EXISTED. THE BOOK IS RIVETING

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really good book!

[Greynomad · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was like reading an essay by a teenager…………….

[Jack Oughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly gripping. Makes me so grateful to have been born in the West. Fantastic account of what life would have felt like under the dictator.