An Ishmael of Syria

by Asaad Almohammad

Adam is a tortured soul. Exiled from his homeland, forced to watch the horrors unfold from afar. His family, still living – or surviving – in war-torn Syria struggle daily to feed, clothe, and educate their children.

Adam tries to be a ‘global citizen’ and become a part of his new community in Malaysia, but is constantly faced with intolerance, bigotry, and plain old racism. Opportunities are few and Adam finds himself working long hours for poor pay so that he can help his family.

The increasingly distressing news bulletins, along with Adam’s haunting childhood memories, compel him to examine his own beliefs; in God, in humanity, in himself and his integrity as a reluctant bystander in the worst human catastrophe of the twenty-first century.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Terrorism, Atheism, Race, Middle East

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2016

About the author

Asaad Almohammad, Ph.D. is a Research Fellow at ICSVE studying dynamics of ISIS recruitment, leadership, operations and the fight against ISIS. He is Syrian research fellow and novelist. He completed his doctorate in Political Psychology and Marketing. His academic work addressed how psycho-political factors alter implicit and explicit emotional responses and to what levels these responses are predictive of political behavior. He has also spent several years coordinating and working on projects across ISIS-held territories. To date he has addressed a number of financial, operational, and militant activities of the terrorist organization. He is also interested in political branding, campaigns and propaganda, post-conflict reconciliation, and deradicalization. In his spare time Asaad closely follows political affairs, especially humanitarian crises and electoral campaigns. He is especially interested in immigration issues.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...to their ears, being a Syrian sounds like you’re unclean, shameful, indecent; it’s like you owe the world an apology for your very existence."

An Ishmael of Syria is the story of Adam, a young Syrian living in Malaysia, while the rest of his family face the daily horrors of life in war torn Syria. The story is not told in a linear fashion, much of it is told in flashbacks, the rest doesn't seem to take place in an particular order, yet this is a very powerful book. It gives us a glimpse into that faraway war, it makes you care, it makes it matter. My hope is that many people will read this book and be affected by it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ishmael of Syria is not an easy book to read. It will challenge your idea of what a novel is and how a novel should be presented. Every so often you read a book, a book that takes everything you thought created an excellent novel and tears it to pieces in a display of pure individual brilliance. That is how I felt when I read this novel.

The book has no clear structure. But, it works so well. It cements the book’s message and purpose underlining its meaning.

Through the narrator, the book focuses on achieving an in-depth understanding of the Syrian conflict, allowing for the perception and exposure of social and political contradictions. The book explores a number of issues (prejudices, homophobia, radicalization, victimization, and conspiracism) that have a powerful emotional impact on our daily lives.

[Patricia Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal story told in the voice of Adam. A Syrian, living in Malaysia. Unable to live in his own country due to civil war and upheaval.. The story goes back and forth from the present to the memories of childhood .All of the different parts and pieces that make us who we are and shape our ideas of who we are and where we belong are brought into question. I felt as if I was reading someone's journal. The feelings of not belonging to any place and unable to go back home.were so heartbreaking. Trying to assimilate into a new country is not easy when you look like Adam and the intolerant and racist people he comes into contact with on a daily basis made me embarrassed as a human being.
As he says in the book "...to their ears, being a Syrian sounds like you’re unclean, shameful, indecent; it’s like you owe the world an apology for your very existence."

I learned more about the Middle East and Syria in this one book than I have in all of the news shows and history lessons I've taken. I can't imagine being judged solely on my skin color or ethnicity. That the author has tackled this in such straightforward and easy to read book is a gift to us all.

[Bandit · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was featured on Netgalley and I thought what a great idea, to learn about something about a tragic war from a different perspective, to humanize a news story as it were. It is a great idea indeed brought down by its far from great execution. The author is a research specialist and for the most part the book reads exactly like a research paper and when it tries to veer into a novel territory it does so in a clumsy jejune way that leaves much to be desired. This is meant to be a semi autobiographical work of fiction, but the voice behind it is so ponderously pedantic and arrogantly self righteous, it's nearly impossible to enjoy. Mind you, this is to say nothing of its message aka author's personal progressive and liberal secular views, which present him (one must assume deliberately) as the only man intelligent enough to possess those views, at least out of his social circle, which include a variety of primarily immigrants (legal and otherwise) in Malaysia. You can agree or disagree with what the author has to say and far be it for me to bring politics into a book review. But as a book this didn't work for me. It didn't engage, the main character is obnoxious, conceited, constantly starting debates with his friends (which is apparently a tool he utilized to convey his numerous opinions) that don't seem to change anyone's mind, because most debates are like that and everyone's all too convinced they are right and usually much too ignorant to welcome and entertain a different point of view lest their small minds be boggled. The main message seems to be empathy, which is of course a worthy and noble one, but it's being delivered like the monologues were nails and the author hammers them with all the subtlety that simile implies . In any case it seems that ego has dramatically overwhelmed the message here. Like some debut efforts it's overwritten, the language is pompous at times and occasionally grammatically challenged, the entire book desperately needs editing. This was suppose to be an enlightening, educational even, reading experience, but ended up a mere waste of time, albeit not too much time.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful and thought-provoking novel is the story of Adam, a young Syrian refugee, adrift in a word of racism, persecution and poverty. It’s a timely novel, given the worldwide attention on the plight of refugees, and is a portrait of an individual, rather than the “group picture” we see so often. Adam is prickly, intense, and angry, burdened with a tragic past and an uncertain future.

Away from his homeland, the distressing news from Syria, where his family remains, increases Adam’s suffering. We read of his struggles to find and keep work, his attempts to help radicalised youth, his questioning of his own beliefs, against a background of prejudice, ignorance and Islamophobia. The story of his journey and suffering is told in a series of flashbacks, conversations and cogitations.

This is a grim, uncompromising novel, beautifully but brutally crafted. It’s quite disjointed and lacks a coherent structure – perhaps this is intentional, reflecting Adam’s uncertain and unsafe status? He cannot settle anywhere, he cannot return to his homeland – his predicament is described in the title of the book – he is truly an Ishmael, or an outcast

My thanks to NetGalley for providing an electronic copy of this book.

[Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find a copy of this review at:
https://thequidnuncblog.wordpress.com...

I have always associated reading the news with growing up. When I was a kid it always was a big deal for my family, we always fell in deep, profound discussions of the world's doings and that always resulted in passionate arguments for days. I do believe that especially today it is really important to try to be on top of what is happening, of course with so much going on, that is not an easy task, but it is worthy attempt.

When I read the blurb for Ishmael of Syria I was instantly intrigued. I took me a day to read the book, and one more to reflect on it, because indeed it is a big bite to swallow. The main character of this book, Adam, is a bitter, cynical young man and a native of Syria living in Malaysia. Through his first hand accounts of growing up in Syria and relocating to another country, he shares with the reader his experience of witnessing the public shaming of women and homosexuality and rape, the ignorance and prejudices against him because of his dark skin and his Arabic background, and the struggle and helplessness of watching the destruction of his homeland from afar.

As you can see it is an extremely heavy read, that digs deep into issue that are troubling. It is daring, powerful, provoking and heartbreaking at the same time.This is a grim, uncompromising novel, beautifully but brutally crafted.

If you are looking for a stereotypical western read, you'll definitely have problems with this one, because it is nothing like journal. The narrative jumps back and forth between past and present, first and third person, Syria and Malaysia. The prose style varies between polished and rough around the edges, and Adam himself swings back and forth between sensible and almost incoherent with rage and sorrow at what his country is undergoing and the international response to it. The overall effect is disjointed and occasionally disconcerting, but the text crackles with energy and emotion.

A definite must read!

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful appeal against prejudices, stereotypes and war. I don't know how much of this narration is autobiographic but I'm sure personal experience, pain and grief found their way into this novel.
Adam's sophisticated philosophical view on politics, religion, psychology and society is far from all clichés. I don't agree with all his views but they become comprehensible.
He gives us insight into what it might mean for an individual to live in exile while their homeland is falling apart.
The Middle Eastern conflict isn't easy to comprehend and with this book I noticed how much more complex it is than I thought. We got used to the images of bombed cities and refugees in small boats trying to find somewhere to live in peace. But while all this arouses compassion and the cry to end the cruelty, the masses seem faceless and islamophobia is thriving. Adam's story is able to remind you that "the Syrians" or "the Arabs" don't exist. Everybody is an individual with his own history and struggles and in case of the Syrians often traumatizing experiences.
The novel is told in small episodes, disussions and memories that mirror Adam's fractured state of mind.

I want to thank Netgalley and Asaad Almohammad for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Read more on my blog: http://reading-experience.blogspot.co...

[Giuliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ishmael of Syria ended too soon for me. The writing is beautiful and haunting. The story is divided into three parts and each has a volume of stories. Taking altogether the chapters make up a story with a plot climax and resolution. I'm not sure if the beauty of the writing actually increased the further in I read; it felt like I fell under the a spell and couldn't break away. I have no doubt I'll come back to this book over my lifetime. I feel certain the lessons will change with each new reading. It's just that kind of book. So much is happening under the surface, I hesitate to say too much. The unfolding was part of the charm. Just read it. Start it today, but don't finish it today. Sit with with. Savor it. But be prepared for it to stay with you after the last page is turned.

[Silvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is never wrong time to publish a book which will wake up emotions. I believe Asaad Almohammad knew this, when he decided to write about war in Syria and pass on his knowledge. An Ishmael of Syria it’s not the easiest read for those who like to read mostly stories, but dear readers longing for awarness: You will love it!
It’s a semiautobiographical novel, a political dialog, an essay, and who knows what more. It copes with different uncomfortable conversation topics and questions almost everything.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ishmael of Syria is a powerful novel. Sometimes you read a book and you have to digest it for several days before you can encapsulate your feelings about the book correctly. An Ishmael of Syria unwraps the layers of prejudices, anger, helplessness, and human grief. Yet at the center, at the core of all these layers, is a kind of naked humanity that invites the reader to imbue meaning. I found this book to be really special, in fact extraordinary. Since the book arrived a few days ago, I have not been able to put it down. The issues discussed in the book are important for people to think about and talk about.

[Ann Girdharry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking. Anguished. Insightful. Don’t expect this to be a comfortable read.

However, I’d rank this as a must-read, particularly for anyone interested in understanding the experiences and emotions of a man in exile.

I should tell you too, that the style of writing may change forever your view of what a novel is or should be.

I admit that being inside the head of the main character required all my concentration. We witness Adam’s fragmented encounters in Malaysia with strangers, fellow students, colleagues and other Syrians unable to return to their home country.

With each conversation we come to better understand Adam’s state of mind and terrible helplessness, despite, or perhaps because of the fact, that he is the financial lifeline his family at home depend upon. We see that it isn’t only the Syrians in Syria who struggle, Adam struggles daily to survive too, just in different ways to his family.

The writing is interspersed with passages from Adam’s life as a young boy and the friends and family he grew up with.

I think this book is so powerful because it’s so raw, so don’t look for literary perfection.

Reading of Adam’s experience has forged a link between me and the Syrian people – just from the reading of one book – I call that remarkable.

For a great interview with this author, see
Five Things You Didn't Know about Asaad Almohammad
over on my blog
http://anngirdharry.weebly.com/blog/5...

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Ishmael of Syria by Asaad Almohammad is the story of Adam, an exiled Syrian living in Malaysia as his family still lives in his war-torn homeland. A self-proclaimed global citizen and philosopher of world events, Adam tries to make the most of his situation. However, he is met with intolerance and racism. He is a man without a country, without a home, without shelter from the cruelty of this cold world. Despite this, he does what he can for his family back home. As the news out of Syria becomes more and more distressing, Adam begins to question everything he believes about himself, God and the world around him. Will Adam ever be able to get back home? Will his family survive this terrible war?
An Ishmael of Syria is a moving and eloquent story as it unveils the events his present as well as the events of his past that brought him so far from home. The story brings to the forefront of the complexities that is the conflicts in the Middle East. Each side has what they believe is right and just and fighting against those who threatened or has taken away their homes. I suggest reading this book slowly, absorbing every description, every sight and try to imagine life as an Ishmael, an outcast. I highly recommend An Ishmael of Syria.

An Ishmael of Syria
is available on Amazon
in paperback and Kindle
as well as on Barnes and Noble
in paperback

[Jule · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Adam, a Syrian refugee living in Malaysia. He talks about his daily life, childhood memories, his family's life in war-torn Syria, and many social and political issues. I liked the style and the content, as it is always great to be reminded of the fact that refugees have fled from violence, that conflicts are more complex than an outsider can imagine and that stereotypes are seldom true. Personal stories of war, loss and refuge - even if they are fictionalized - are very important in these times of hatred. However, the language was lacking a bit at times. Speech was often too stiff, too much written style. And punctuation could be improved, as well. I was also not a fan of the confusing time line and lack of clear narrative structure. However, overall, this novel is heart-felt, honest and important - and so recommendable.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Horrifically Beautiful Book. The lyricism in the book was breath taking. The story stayed with me throughout each day during the time I took to read it. It has moved me in such a way that I will never forget.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an autobiographical novel. It has raw emotions. It captures struggle of the least fortunate of our fellow human beings, making some sense of what is going on in works today.

[Sandra Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal story told in a series of flashbacks and incidents from the present. The different excerpts intertwine to create a picture of a person feeling at a loss while struggling to find meaning and a sense of belonging. I read it in a day without struggle. Once I had started reading I didn't want to put it down. There is a feeling of effortless narration of difficult topics which I liked. It gave me a window into a life experience so different from mine and yet so similar. It is a story of what it is like to find yourself apart from a world you knew which is so familiar but so foreign to who you are. To then struggle to find a spot in a new place where you do not feel you belong which creates a sense of longing to be a part of something. In the search for home is it hope or defiance that makes you go on while you struggle with your personal issues which are being played out on a global scale? What is it that defines and also finds us our way home? I love this book for its simplicity and its complexity.

[E.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely interesting and timely read. The main character, Adam, is a young Syrian man living in Malaysia. He watches in horror as his country implodes, and has to deal both with his disagreement with the positions of his friends and family, and the racism and anti-Syrian prejudice he experiences from others.

The narrative jumps back and forth between past and present, first and third person, Syria and Malaysia. The prose style varies between polished and rough around the edges, and Adam himself swings back and forth between sensible and almost incoherent with rage and sorrow at what his country is undergoing and the international response to it. The overall effect is disjointed and occasionally disconcerting, but the text crackles with energy and emotion. This is not the easiest read, but it provides a perspective that is largely lacking in the Western narrative on the current events in Syria.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Bobirley Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This timely book was very interesting; however, I was expecting more mention of major events and how they affected Adam in addition to the interpersonal relationships that he experienced. Since my knowledge of Syrian refugees has been limited to what I have read in newspapers, I was hoping to get some ideas in how to make a refugee's experience locally better when they arrive in our community after reading the description of the book. The book didn't help me much with my hope but it does describe Adam's experiences and how they affected him.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from when I read heard about it from a member of my book club.
It's an incredibly fascinating and thrilling story that is very well written and engrossing.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fascinating insight into Syria's civil war (the second last chapter). The book was very informative.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read an excerpt of the book advanced copy through a member of our book club. It is captivating! I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Adam. Highly recommended for its intrigue, and for its perspective on both the refugee crisis and the Syrian conflict.

[Janine · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the description of this book on NetGalley, I was very interested and felt I had to request it. The premise was really great, but the execution was not what I expected. I see I am in the minority here, but I didn't enjoy this book, except for maybe about the last 25%.

I really hated the main character, Adam. It's hard to get invested in a story with a main character that is that arrogant and egotistical. He speaks often about what it means to be a victim, all the while making himself out to be the biggest victim of all. He goes on at length and repeatedly about how no one can ever understand the horrors he has witnessed and the awful experiences he has had, but, aside from a flashback to a very graphic and horrific incident reminiscent of the Kite Runner, he only sort of hints at horrible things he witnessed before leaving Syria, without explaining further. Based on the ending of the book, it seems the family he left behind in Syria were the greater victims, and the descriptions of them make them sound like very humble people who would have been able to forge a better connection with the reader. I felt like the family or his interactions with the family after leaving would've been a great focus for the novel.

The interactions between the characters in Malaysia were just not believable, and probably the main reason I didn't enjoy the book. I don't know of any people who only get together to lecture each other nonstop. It felt more like a thinly veiled device used as an excuse to insert what would have functioned better as a series of essays, rather than a novel. It also really didn't seem like any of them actually enjoyed each other's company, as they had polar opposite religious and political views. I was not really certain what the purpose of the romantic relationships were, as they seemed completely pointless and empty.

The ending of the book focused much more on the experience of Syrians left at home, and the struggles of those who fled, in a way that I felt was much more effective and powerful than the political lectures occurring at cafe tables and dinner tables around Malaysia. That was more the type of story I expected from a novel: a story of human experience and emotions, rather than what felt like the cold conclusions of a research project.

[Federico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving and Tense. Almohammad mastered the art of making us achingly aware of what goes unmentioned. Sometimes we might not even know what it is we're not being told, but it haunted this reader as much as it seems to haunt the protagonist (Adam). The plot is dark which is emphasised through the juxtapostition of the youth, in third person, and the use of Adam, as his narrator.
It talked to me about how relationships change and we must be prepared to move on; how memories of key moments and places in our life echo through later life. It talks of how our upbringing may prepare us for the unthinkable but in a way that makes our lives bitter, and how we do not see the realities of how our upbringing affects us until later in life. And it talks about belief and confrontation. So much truth in these pages as well as being an absorbing read.
I would give it as many stars as were available. Unfortunately I am limited to five.

[Sharon Suri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A semi-autobiographical, but fictionalized account of a young man struggling to find a home while his homeland (Syria) disintegrates into violent political and sectarian warfare, this book is intense. And nearly impossible to put down.

Not for the faint of heart, this is a contemporary story that needs to be heard from the perspective of a Syrian who has first-hand had to wrestle with the values system of his cultural identity, which is so regularly reduced to violent extremism.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judging by the title, i thought the author will only tackle the refugee crisis. Which was well done by the way. Reading this book, you'll find yourself plunged deep into a world of racism, misogyny, and homophobia. It also cover issues like honer-shame complex, radicalization, and victimhood culture. The last three chapters are my favorite.

[S. Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, brilliantly told story through the bitter perspective of the main character, Adam. Through his first hand accounts, Adam shares a range of hard to read topics covering racism, homophobia, radicalism, and the conflict in his homeland of Syria.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to thank Net Galley, the Author and the Publisher for my advanced copy for a fair and honest review.

This book is a well written and organized perspective of life as a refugee from war torn Syria while in Malaysia. His political views and arguments opened my eyes to things I had not previously thought, and all though I don't agree with all of them, the majority I do. He keeps a lot of the heart breaking tragedy faced by himself and his family, as well as his nation very factual and not emotionally based, allowing the reader to make their own judgements. He is an honest writer that has been dealing with racism, war, and all the other things that accompany such tragedy in the only way he could and it has opened my eyes immensely!

If you happen to enjoy politics and debate than this novel is for you!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent narrative by someone who has been there - starting in a country suffering violence and persecution; getting out and facing prejudice in a new country, and an individual's struggle to support himself, maintain a sense of dignity and morality, and striving to find a way of life that will make a difference.
Well worth the read.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book. I could not put it down. I hope this book gets read by lots and lots of people. So timely.

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam was born in Syria and as the current troubles increase he leaves to live in Malaysia. This novel looks at his life and family in Syria and how he copes living away from them in Malaysia.

Asaad covers an awful lot of ground in his novel. His writing style is similar to Jeremy Clarkson and you can imagine Adam deploying a Yorkshire accent as he rants about Syria, politics, religion and women in a very blokey Top Gear way. I liked Adam’s character as he appeared very knowledgeable, educated and street-wise. I very quickly developed an empathy for Adam. This was achieved in a simple stand-point as Adam calls himself a global-citizen and not a Syrian or an Arab. This is very easy for the reader to identify with as Adam then comes across as another bloke rather than a member of a country or race. I feel the same way myself, I am just an ordinary bloke rather than a white skinned Englishman living in Wales. Adam does have a good rant at how race plays an integral part in his life in Malaysia and how this ignorance is both frustrating and wrong. Asaad has a very extensive vocabulary which makes his novel very descriptive.

The structure of this novel is soft. There are opinion related bits where Adam puts the world to rights, parts relating to his life in Syria and parts following his life in Malaysia. Then there are parts just reflecting on the differences between cultures before moving onto the shock and awe of war torn Syria. So this novel does float about quite a lot but the general direction is a bloke in the pub ranting about what is wrong with the world, to a depressing end of what a hell of earth Syria has become.

I found this to be a good book to read. It was interesting and refreshing to get a personal opinion about ordinary life far away from home. It did not provide a regular novel reading experience though. There was not a big range of developed characters building an extensive plot. This book is more an exploration of life, how it is now. It is not a story that builds hope in the reader as it grows to a happy end. It is not an entertaining read although there is some sarcasm to bring the odd smile. To call this book a novel is misleading as it lacks the storyline and structure of your average book/novel/tale/thriller. It does however highlight the plight of people living a very different life to people in the Western world. It does provide an escapism for readers in their peaceful and stable homes. When you get to the end of a good regular novel you sit back and marvel at how much you enjoyed the characters and the plot. When you get to the end of An Ishmael of Syria you feel very sad and angry at the total mess the country Syria has become. You feel depressed about man’s inhumanity to man, the senseless violence sweeping the Middle East and the total waste and cheapness of life in Syria.

I am pleased a friend on Goodreads put me onto this book. I think it is a good book that I will vote 4 stars. It does not work as a novel in the storytelling sense but scores highly in the eyeopener stakes. Readers can enjoy fiction because they are shielded from reality but An Ishmael of Syria is based on the actual misery of ordinary people in Syria. So if you want a heart warming, cosy and loving read this is not a book for you. But if you live in the real world and can accept the brutality of war, this book is worth you time although it left me feeling very sad and thankful for the location of my accident of birth.

Thanks to NetGalley and Asaad Almohammad for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam is an academic, living in Malaysia and trying to scrape together a living. His family is still in Syria, and he can only watch news reports and wait desperately for news from home, hoping they are okay. He is poorly paid despite the work he does and the hours he puts in, but his really hasn’t much choice – without the money he sends to his family they will have even less access to food, water, medicine.

An Ishmael of Syria is both a wonderful character portrait, and gruelling, haunting, powerful account of the tragedies in Syria. Adam’s father taught him that to think that life is or should be ‘fair’ is a childish notion. Adam is staunchly against the mindset of victimhood, which is, understandably, a recurring theme throughout the book. He is continually confronted with racism – towards others by his peers as well as towards himself by other groups – and he opposes this at every opportunity. He also opposes the stupidity and hypocrisy that is spouted by his Syrian friends in their support of the president. Despite his own strident voice against racism, Adam feels unsupported by Malay society; that being Syrian marks him as someone distasteful, and as someone who can be treated badly as his choices are very limited. As he agrees to the worst job offer he has ever heard, Adam is aware that he is breaching his own code of ethics and worries that he has entered a state of learned victimhood. But he knows he will do anything to help his family.

While this is written as a novel, Adam’s voice feels incredibly personal and authentic. It feels more like a personal recount than a novel. The despair, anger and heartbreak is utterly raw.

Read this immediately.