What do you think?
Rate this book
The Boy With Two Hearts
Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A mother speaks out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country. Meanwhile, her family’s watchful eyes never leave their beloved son and brother, whose rare heart condition means that he will never lead a normal life.
When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri’s mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination.
Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers’ cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned.
The family’s need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son’s deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered.
The Boy with Two Hearts is not only a tale of a family in crisis, but a love letter to the NHS, which provided hope and reassurance as they sought asylum in the UK and fought to save their loved ones.
When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri’s mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination.
Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers’ cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned.
The family’s need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son’s deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered.
The Boy with Two Hearts is not only a tale of a family in crisis, but a love letter to the NHS, which provided hope and reassurance as they sought asylum in the UK and fought to save their loved ones.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2020
20 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 14, 2020
From BBC Radio 4:
A powerful tale of a family in crisis and a moving love letter to the NHS.
Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A mother speaks out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country. Meanwhile, her family’s watchful eyes never leave their beloved son and brother, whose rare heart condition means that he will never lead a normal life.
When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri’s mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination.
Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers’ cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned.
The family’s need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son’s deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered.
The Boy with Two Hearts is not only a tale of a family in crisis, but a love letter to the NHS, which provided hope and reassurance as they sought asylum in the UK and fought to save their loved ones.
Read by Sanjeev Bhaskar
Abridged by Florence Bedell-Brill
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00...
A powerful tale of a family in crisis and a moving love letter to the NHS.
Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A mother speaks out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country. Meanwhile, her family’s watchful eyes never leave their beloved son and brother, whose rare heart condition means that he will never lead a normal life.
When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri’s mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination.
Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers’ cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned.
The family’s need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son’s deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered.
The Boy with Two Hearts is not only a tale of a family in crisis, but a love letter to the NHS, which provided hope and reassurance as they sought asylum in the UK and fought to save their loved ones.
Read by Sanjeev Bhaskar
Abridged by Florence Bedell-Brill
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00...
June 19, 2020
The media in the UK has always been moderately hostile towards refugees, as has the opinion of the public thanks to said media. This heartbreaking book will hopefully go some way to start changing opinions, hearts, and minds about refugees, imparting the knowledge that every single refugee has a story, and every single refugee has taken great risks to escape persecution. سلامتی, friend.
December 18, 2022
I heard this as an audiobook on the BBC Sounds app. It made me cry several times.
June 26, 2020
I was moved to tears many times reading this, and I am astonished at the strength and courage this family has shown throughout their journey. Refugees have to face prejudice and judgement when no one knows the reasons they have to escape their native country, and what they have to endure to gain safety for their family. A real eye opener, but a heart warming tale of hope and bravery that I highly recommend. I actually wish I had had the pleasure of meeting Hussein, as his brother has shown his personality through the book beautifully.
Heart breaking at times, heart warming throughout.
Heart breaking at times, heart warming throughout.
June 5, 2020
It was a pleasure to read and review an early copy of this book. Thank you to the author, the publisher and #NetGalley. I am so glad I read #TheBoyWithTwoHearts.
Set over a ten year period the story is told by a child refugee escaping persecution and violence from the Taliban in Afghanistan and making his way, with his family, to the UK. Much of the undeniable horror of the journey is seen through the naive eyes of a young child who trusts that his parents will be there to protect him, and the child's voice is both positive and optimistic. The descriptions are still horrifying and tense, and I found myself holding my breath in the hope that they would make it.
The UK is the eventual destination because Hamed's older brother has a serious heart condition and they know there are experts there who can help. The relationships within the family are beautifully portrayed, and the book is a tribute to Hussien's courage, positivity and strength.
I am going to make sure my teenage daughter reads this book and I think it should be in every school library.
Set over a ten year period the story is told by a child refugee escaping persecution and violence from the Taliban in Afghanistan and making his way, with his family, to the UK. Much of the undeniable horror of the journey is seen through the naive eyes of a young child who trusts that his parents will be there to protect him, and the child's voice is both positive and optimistic. The descriptions are still horrifying and tense, and I found myself holding my breath in the hope that they would make it.
The UK is the eventual destination because Hamed's older brother has a serious heart condition and they know there are experts there who can help. The relationships within the family are beautifully portrayed, and the book is a tribute to Hussien's courage, positivity and strength.
I am going to make sure my teenage daughter reads this book and I think it should be in every school library.
July 20, 2020
The Boy with Two Hearts is a moving and absorbing memoir that follows a family of five from Herat, Afghanistan. In 2000, Fariba Amiri publicly spoke out against the Taliban and in favour of women's rights. Within days, the Taliban responded by ordering her execution. The mother of three had to flee the country with her children and husband Mohammed. After raising enough money to pay human traffickers, they began a gruelling journey to the UK. They don't just have their sights set on the UK for a better life, but also to get their eldest son the treatment he urgently needs for his heart condition. Travelling through Europe as refugees, the Amiris hid in the back of lorries, squashed up together in the boots of cars, were abandoned in jungles in the middle of the night and even robbed at gunpoint. Amazingly, the dangerous and frightening situations they sometimes found themselves in were never enough to *completely* rob them of all optimism and determination in getting to the UK.
The Boy with Two Hearts sometimes felt like a thriller or adventure novel because the tension and suspense in the first half of the book make it so gripping. The writing is captivating and the author tells this story so effectively, in a way that leaves you wanting to find out what happens next. Finally, the family arrive in the UK after travelling through Europe for more than a year. Thanks to the NHS, Hussein received the life-changing treatment he desperately needs. While the family took some time to adapt to their new home in Cardiff and overcome the language barrier, being in the UK enabled Hussein and Hessam to pursue careers and discover their passions. Reading about how the NHS helped Hussein and his family over the years made me smile. The NHS has saved my life more than once. Hussein Amiri's unwavering positivity and determination to help others, while battling his debilitating heart arrhythmias, moved me to tears.
The Boy with Two Hearts is an engrossing book about family, survival, courage, hope, love, perseverance and compassion. It shows the power of standing by those we love, not giving up and helping those in need. The Amiri family's story warmed and stole my own heart. Everyone can take something away from this sad and inspiring story. I'm going to remember it for years to come.
Full review here: https://tenelleottleymatthew.com/the-...
The Boy with Two Hearts sometimes felt like a thriller or adventure novel because the tension and suspense in the first half of the book make it so gripping. The writing is captivating and the author tells this story so effectively, in a way that leaves you wanting to find out what happens next. Finally, the family arrive in the UK after travelling through Europe for more than a year. Thanks to the NHS, Hussein received the life-changing treatment he desperately needs. While the family took some time to adapt to their new home in Cardiff and overcome the language barrier, being in the UK enabled Hussein and Hessam to pursue careers and discover their passions. Reading about how the NHS helped Hussein and his family over the years made me smile. The NHS has saved my life more than once. Hussein Amiri's unwavering positivity and determination to help others, while battling his debilitating heart arrhythmias, moved me to tears.
The Boy with Two Hearts is an engrossing book about family, survival, courage, hope, love, perseverance and compassion. It shows the power of standing by those we love, not giving up and helping those in need. The Amiri family's story warmed and stole my own heart. Everyone can take something away from this sad and inspiring story. I'm going to remember it for years to come.
Full review here: https://tenelleottleymatthew.com/the-...
September 15, 2024
This is such a beautifully written book, telling such a harrowing and emotional story, fragile life and sacrifices. I hope everyone adds this to their tbr pile!
September 28, 2020
This book had me moved to tears, crying for the last third of the book to the end.
It also had me reading all day, starting and finishing the book in one afternoon.
Amiri’s book has two equally moving parts, though the latter is emotional to no end as it ties the entire story together.
In 2000, Hamed Amiri’s family has to leave Afghanistan. They need protection from the Taliban, who want to execute his mother, and need medical help for his older brother Hussein, who has a rare heart condition.
Their journey leaving their home, having to spend a year on the road, never being safe, worrying every day whether they will ever make it to their “safe haven”, and having to put their lives into the hands of smugglers again and again is heart-breaking and one of many families who left their lives behind to find safety in Europe.
Throughout, Hussein’s heart condition gets worse, though the true extend of his illness only becomes apparent later – as does the true motivation behind the story.
Hiding in car boots and digging themselves into tyres in the back of a lorry to hide from police are only a small part of the family’s history. And despite having been through the toughest times one can imagine, Hussein Amiri’s hope and positivity seemed to have no ends and this book tells the story of how many lives a person can touch in just a short time.
It also had me reading all day, starting and finishing the book in one afternoon.
Amiri’s book has two equally moving parts, though the latter is emotional to no end as it ties the entire story together.
In 2000, Hamed Amiri’s family has to leave Afghanistan. They need protection from the Taliban, who want to execute his mother, and need medical help for his older brother Hussein, who has a rare heart condition.
Their journey leaving their home, having to spend a year on the road, never being safe, worrying every day whether they will ever make it to their “safe haven”, and having to put their lives into the hands of smugglers again and again is heart-breaking and one of many families who left their lives behind to find safety in Europe.
Throughout, Hussein’s heart condition gets worse, though the true extend of his illness only becomes apparent later – as does the true motivation behind the story.
Hiding in car boots and digging themselves into tyres in the back of a lorry to hide from police are only a small part of the family’s history. And despite having been through the toughest times one can imagine, Hussein Amiri’s hope and positivity seemed to have no ends and this book tells the story of how many lives a person can touch in just a short time.
August 4, 2020
An absolutely heartbreaking, yet wonderfully inspiring read. Hamed tells the tale of his family's escape from an Afghanistan under Taliban rule, after they issued an execution order on his mother purely because of her work for equality and women's rights in Herat. The whole family had to abandon their home and all belongings in one night, ready to flee the country the very next day. Hamed writes the history of his family's escape with brutal honesty, and lets his audience in to the most intimate realms of he and his family's survival and pursuit of a better and safer life in the UK. The narrative is also a love letter written to the NHS, which was the driving force behind the family's decision to seek refuge in the UK. Hamed's truly inspiring brother, Hussein, had a complex heart condition, which required specialist treatment that only the UK could provide. I thank Hamed for sharing the most intimate and personal account of a truly difficult, yet hopeful and beautiful journey to a better life for the Amiri family.
June 18, 2020
Happy Pub Date!
Thank you for the opportunity to read your family's story, Hamed.
I was particularly touched by the following passages:
"Khastan tavanas tan hast," said Mum: "If you want to chase your dreams you have to believe in them."
"Love is a strange thing, especially when it's felt by total strangers."
I felt so much love for this family while reading this book and at a time like the one we are currently experiencing, where hopes are dashed and life is effectively put on pause, this book is a testament to the fact tat we can still chase our dreams even in dire circumstances.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your family's story, Hamed.
I was particularly touched by the following passages:
"Khastan tavanas tan hast," said Mum: "If you want to chase your dreams you have to believe in them."
"Love is a strange thing, especially when it's felt by total strangers."
I felt so much love for this family while reading this book and at a time like the one we are currently experiencing, where hopes are dashed and life is effectively put on pause, this book is a testament to the fact tat we can still chase our dreams even in dire circumstances.
June 23, 2020
After his mother speaks out against the Taliban and due to his brother Hussein's worsening heart condition, Hamed and his family had to flee Afghanistan for one of the two Countries that could provide the medical care his brother needed. They traveled as refugees in an attempt to reach the U.K. and the medical care needed. It was not an easy journey, as there was an execution order put out on Hamed's mother. This book will make you cry, as the situation feels so hopeless as you read.
June 19, 2020
From Hamed’s family’s long journey to the UK from Taliban Afghanistan to the health journey of eldest son Hussein, perhaps one of the most selfless and saintly humans you’ll ever read about - this is a powerful and emotional book to read.
September 30, 2023
Eye-opening and emotional
June 20, 2020
Thank you to Icon Books & NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available June 18th 2020
This is the summer vacation book everyone should be reading. Told from a first hand perspective of an Afghani refugee family, "The Boy with Two Hearts" focuses on the trials of the Amiri family. After his mother speaks out against the Taliban and his brother Hussein's worsening heart condition, Hamed and his family knew it was only a matter of time before they had to leave Afghanistan. What they couldn't have anticipated is just how long and difficult the journey would be to the UK, one of the two countries in the world that can provide Hussein with the care that he needs. So begins this account of a harrowing yet endearing family adventure. At times, it does feel like two different novels as Amiri transitions between talking about his brother's life and his family's life. However, it is clear to see the love, hope and comfort the family find in each other. With so much divisiveness and animosity in our global stage right now, this book is a welcoming, hopeful tale. I was in tears at the end, feeling like I truly understood Amiri & his family's story &, for the first time in a while, hopeful for the future.
Available June 18th 2020
This is the summer vacation book everyone should be reading. Told from a first hand perspective of an Afghani refugee family, "The Boy with Two Hearts" focuses on the trials of the Amiri family. After his mother speaks out against the Taliban and his brother Hussein's worsening heart condition, Hamed and his family knew it was only a matter of time before they had to leave Afghanistan. What they couldn't have anticipated is just how long and difficult the journey would be to the UK, one of the two countries in the world that can provide Hussein with the care that he needs. So begins this account of a harrowing yet endearing family adventure. At times, it does feel like two different novels as Amiri transitions between talking about his brother's life and his family's life. However, it is clear to see the love, hope and comfort the family find in each other. With so much divisiveness and animosity in our global stage right now, this book is a welcoming, hopeful tale. I was in tears at the end, feeling like I truly understood Amiri & his family's story &, for the first time in a while, hopeful for the future.
February 2, 2021
This memoir follows the Amiri family through their journey fleeing Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and eventually arriving in the UK. Hamed Amiri's story is moving, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time.
His eldest brother was born with a heart condition, and his family knows that the only places where he can get a life-saving operation are either in the UK or the US. After his mother gives a speech regarding women's right to an education, she is targeted by the Taliban and their family must flee Afghanistan. This memoir follows the Amiri family through the tumultuous journey that many refugees have needed to take in order to seek asylum and safety. Eventually, upon their arrival to the UK, this memoir turns into a love letter to the NHS.
I will be continually recommending this memoir as one of my favorites. It brought together two terrifying aspects of Hamed Amiri's life - fleeing the country from which he grew up and getting his brother the treatment that he needed to survive. It is an inspirational story and shows how strong this family was under the most dire of circumstances.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Icon Books for the gifted e-book!
His eldest brother was born with a heart condition, and his family knows that the only places where he can get a life-saving operation are either in the UK or the US. After his mother gives a speech regarding women's right to an education, she is targeted by the Taliban and their family must flee Afghanistan. This memoir follows the Amiri family through the tumultuous journey that many refugees have needed to take in order to seek asylum and safety. Eventually, upon their arrival to the UK, this memoir turns into a love letter to the NHS.
I will be continually recommending this memoir as one of my favorites. It brought together two terrifying aspects of Hamed Amiri's life - fleeing the country from which he grew up and getting his brother the treatment that he needed to survive. It is an inspirational story and shows how strong this family was under the most dire of circumstances.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Icon Books for the gifted e-book!
July 15, 2021
This is sort of two books in one, as it's a refugee story and a medical challenge story in one. The main character's family has to flee the Taliban, and after a pretty horrible journey make it to the UK. Meanwhile, the eldest son has a heart condition and is urgent need of medical help. The story is harrowing, sad and uplifting at times. Didn't love the writing itself--kind of basic. Major elements of the family's story are left out. The UK part doesn't really explain how they are taken in by the country.
September 8, 2020
I volunteered to read this book, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. This book is well written. The pacing of this story is good. It shows how people are fear for their lives against the taliban. It makes you think about how refugees are feeling about leaving their home because of the danger. I enjoyed this author's writing style. I absolutely recommend it to anyone and everyone. This book is in stores now for $24.00 (USD).
Read
July 15, 2021A compelling story or rather two stories intertwined-one of a family's harrowing journey as refugees from Afghanistan to the UK, and the other of the author's brother's search for medical help for his heart condition. It is an easy read with simple prose, and it will be good for introducing high school students to the plights many refugees face. It is also a poignant story of brotherly love and how hope even in the darkest of times keeps people going.
Read
October 10, 2020Very courageous
I would definitely recommend this book. It is thought provoking and made me appreciate the hardships that refugees endure to seek medical help and a better life. Though out the family remained strong and supportive. This is a wonderful dedication to a young man who despite his own illness gave support and help to others facing the unknown.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is thought provoking and made me appreciate the hardships that refugees endure to seek medical help and a better life. Though out the family remained strong and supportive. This is a wonderful dedication to a young man who despite his own illness gave support and help to others facing the unknown.
July 26, 2020
Absolutely wonderful book real tearjerker
A real appreciation going forward for refugees, helps to better understand their real struggle. An extraordinary moving and eye opening story
A real appreciation going forward for refugees, helps to better understand their real struggle. An extraordinary moving and eye opening story
August 21, 2020
This should be essential reading for those who believe taking in refugees is all bad. The desperation of this family shines through as they make the journey from Afghanistan to the UK. Deeply moving, heartbreaking and inspiring.
November 25, 2022
Hamed Amiri's book 'The Boy With Two Hearts' had my heart clenched in a vice the entire time I was reading it. A story of struggle and determination, of fear and of hope, and of a family so interconnected it almost feels unreal. Hamed tells the story of his families escape from the Taliban in Afghanistan to their eventual arrival in UK. But this refugees tale is made all the more intense not just by the family of fives journey but there need to get to South Hampton, one of only two places in the world that can perform the life saving heart surgery Hassan, Hamed's older brother needs. Hamed let's us into his world and his experience, first through his eyes as a child and also as he grows into an adult. Hamed writes in a way that makes us feel as if we the readers are part of the story, as if we are the families friends taking that journey with them.
This book makes me want to read more refugee stories. I want to know more about the world in which people do not feel safe in a their own country, a place where they should feel the safest. Unfortunately, we live in a world in which some countries, a lot of countries seem to be going backwards, in a world in which extremist views - religious, cultural or societal are being forced on others, where bigotry is accepted or tolerated. The amount of refugees is increasing in the droves and I can't help but feel for those that don't make it out, that get prisoned, or stoned to death because they challenged the government or they held the hand of someone of the same sex. My heart bleeds for those that don't get to live the life they want and are prevented from being who they want to be. I am saddened that one's religious beliefs can be made law and forced onto someone else, even if that is not what they believe. What is important to also acknowledge is that the Western world is not free from this either, rights to abortions are being taken away, rights to one's own bodies are being taken away, LGBTQIA+ and racist hate crimes are prevalent. I think it's very important that the world is exposed to more and more stories of refugees and maybe that incite into the lived experiences of others might make us rise up and challenge all injustices everywhere.
This book makes me want to read more refugee stories. I want to know more about the world in which people do not feel safe in a their own country, a place where they should feel the safest. Unfortunately, we live in a world in which some countries, a lot of countries seem to be going backwards, in a world in which extremist views - religious, cultural or societal are being forced on others, where bigotry is accepted or tolerated. The amount of refugees is increasing in the droves and I can't help but feel for those that don't make it out, that get prisoned, or stoned to death because they challenged the government or they held the hand of someone of the same sex. My heart bleeds for those that don't get to live the life they want and are prevented from being who they want to be. I am saddened that one's religious beliefs can be made law and forced onto someone else, even if that is not what they believe. What is important to also acknowledge is that the Western world is not free from this either, rights to abortions are being taken away, rights to one's own bodies are being taken away, LGBTQIA+ and racist hate crimes are prevalent. I think it's very important that the world is exposed to more and more stories of refugees and maybe that incite into the lived experiences of others might make us rise up and challenge all injustices everywhere.
June 5, 2025
What an emotional roller coaster this family has had. The mother stood up for her beliefs, which eventually meant they had to flee their country.
The family as a whole comes together and faces such tough times, whether through the jungle, in a market, or on a motorway. Being forced to turn back several times, being hostages, going into refuge camps. Their fight and battle to reach the shores of the UK where they will get the support needed for the oldest child.
Hussein has a heart condition and needs surgery that could only be provided in the UK or the USA. The family decided the UK was the best option with its pioneering work in the field of cardiology. Most of this story focuses on Husseins' battle and struggles of surviving with his condition.
The three brothers Hussein, Hamed, and Hessam make a pact to be their for each other and protect and support their parents. This would stay till the very end.
This book really tugs at your hearts strings (no pun intended). As a father of a child with a heart condition, I could relate to their father, even though I have not had to flee my home country. A true father would do whatever he could for their child to keep them safe and healthy. Teaches us not to judge a book by its cover or judge a person by their religion or race. Deep down, we are all human and should live together in peace and harmony.
The story is very inspirational, and I would recommend everyone to read it. No one knows what battles a person to contend with. He was compassionate and cared about fellow humanity, always putting others before his own need. A credit to mankind.
My condolences go to Husseins' family, and I loved his attitude to life, his way of coping through his humour, and work ethic, and kindness he brought to others whilst he was struggling himself.
Now I have to compose myself and let the tears just subside, and then refocus on life. However much longer, I have left to exist.
The family as a whole comes together and faces such tough times, whether through the jungle, in a market, or on a motorway. Being forced to turn back several times, being hostages, going into refuge camps. Their fight and battle to reach the shores of the UK where they will get the support needed for the oldest child.
Hussein has a heart condition and needs surgery that could only be provided in the UK or the USA. The family decided the UK was the best option with its pioneering work in the field of cardiology. Most of this story focuses on Husseins' battle and struggles of surviving with his condition.
The three brothers Hussein, Hamed, and Hessam make a pact to be their for each other and protect and support their parents. This would stay till the very end.
This book really tugs at your hearts strings (no pun intended). As a father of a child with a heart condition, I could relate to their father, even though I have not had to flee my home country. A true father would do whatever he could for their child to keep them safe and healthy. Teaches us not to judge a book by its cover or judge a person by their religion or race. Deep down, we are all human and should live together in peace and harmony.
The story is very inspirational, and I would recommend everyone to read it. No one knows what battles a person to contend with. He was compassionate and cared about fellow humanity, always putting others before his own need. A credit to mankind.
My condolences go to Husseins' family, and I loved his attitude to life, his way of coping through his humour, and work ethic, and kindness he brought to others whilst he was struggling himself.
Now I have to compose myself and let the tears just subside, and then refocus on life. However much longer, I have left to exist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2023
Hamed Amiri (2021) THE BOY WITH TWO HEARTS
London. Icon Books
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
The sleeve reads, "A powerful tale of a family in crisis, and a moving love letter to the NHS. Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A mother speaks out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country. Meanwhile, her family's watchful eyes never leave their beloved son and brother, whose rare heart condition means that he will never lead a normal life. When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri's mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination. Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers' cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned. The family's need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son's deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered."
=====
Saw the stage play of this story in 2022. Had me and everyone watching in tears. It's a confronting story we could all do with hearing imo. Particularly as the narratives being pushed by right wing politicians and media are so beyond the pale. It's also a lesson in being grateful - growing older is a privilege denied to so many.
=====
#HamedAmiri #TheBoyWithTwoHearts #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads
London. Icon Books
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
The sleeve reads, "A powerful tale of a family in crisis, and a moving love letter to the NHS. Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A mother speaks out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country. Meanwhile, her family's watchful eyes never leave their beloved son and brother, whose rare heart condition means that he will never lead a normal life. When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri's mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination. Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers' cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned. The family's need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son's deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered."
=====
Saw the stage play of this story in 2022. Had me and everyone watching in tears. It's a confronting story we could all do with hearing imo. Particularly as the narratives being pushed by right wing politicians and media are so beyond the pale. It's also a lesson in being grateful - growing older is a privilege denied to so many.
=====
#HamedAmiri #TheBoyWithTwoHearts #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads
April 9, 2024
Η αφορμή για να διαβάσω αυτό το βιβλίο ήταν η ομώνυμη θεατρική παράσταση στο θέατρο Άλμα· σκεφτόμουν να πάω τον γιό μου κι ήθελα να διαβάσω την υπόθεση για να δω αν υπάρχουν σημεία ακατάλληλα για ένα 10χρονο παιδί.
---
Αυτό το βιβλίο δεν είναι μυθιστόρημα, δεν έχει καμία λογοτεχνική αξία. Είναι η αφήγηση μιας αληθινής περιπέτειας που είναι πολύ πιο εντυπωσιακή από οποιοδήποτε μυθιστόρημα! Είναι μια ιστορία για το κουράγιο μιας γυναίκας που θέλησε να μιλήσει για την ισότητα σε μια πόλη που την εξουσία είχαν τα κτήνη (και σήμερα τα ίδια κτήνη την έχουν), η αφήγηση της περιπέτειας μιας οικογένειας στα νύχια ανθρώπων που ν��ιάζονται μόνο για το χρήμα και τέλος, ένα ερωτικό σχεδόν γράμμα ενός παιδιού στον αδερφό και ήρωά του.
---
Τελικά ο γιός μου δεν ήθελε να έρθει στην παράσταση αλλά όταν μεγαλώσει λίγο - κι ελπίζοντας πως το βιβλίο θα μεταφραστεί στα ελληνικά - θα του το αγοράσω σίγουρα, ελπίζοντας πως κάποια στιηγμή θα το διαβάσει.
Το ίδιο, εύχομαι και σε εσένα που διαβάζεις αυτές τις γραμμές.
---
Αυτό το βιβλίο δεν είναι μυθιστόρημα, δεν έχει καμία λογοτεχνική αξία. Είναι η αφήγηση μιας αληθινής περιπέτειας που είναι πολύ πιο εντυπωσιακή από οποιοδήποτε μυθιστόρημα! Είναι μια ιστορία για το κουράγιο μιας γυναίκας που θέλησε να μιλήσει για την ισότητα σε μια πόλη που την εξουσία είχαν τα κτήνη (και σήμερα τα ίδια κτήνη την έχουν), η αφήγηση της περιπέτειας μιας οικογένειας στα νύχια ανθρώπων που ν��ιάζονται μόνο για το χρήμα και τέλος, ένα ερωτικό σχεδόν γράμμα ενός παιδιού στον αδερφό και ήρωά του.
---
Τελικά ο γιός μου δεν ήθελε να έρθει στην παράσταση αλλά όταν μεγαλώσει λίγο - κι ελπίζοντας πως το βιβλίο θα μεταφραστεί στα ελληνικά - θα του το αγοράσω σίγουρα, ελπίζοντας πως κάποια στιηγμή θα το διαβάσει.
Το ίδιο, εύχομαι και σε εσένα που διαβάζεις αυτές τις γραμμές.
August 1, 2023
An amazing story of one family’s journey to claim asylum in the UK from Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. A heartbreaking read and gripping for that reason. I did think the representation of a refugee’s experience in the UK was incredibly and one-dimensionally positive. This is a challenging thing to question given this may just have been the authors honest experience (and one of nearly 20 years ago now). However it did seem jarring given the current migrant crisis. Also read slightly YA fiction in my opinion.
August 15, 2022
I've never left a review before, but this book was worth it. It was very well crafted, and written so expertly I felt as if I knew Hamed Amiri's family personally.
This book honestly made me cry so many times in one sitting..such an emotional piece of writing I struggled to put it down. If I had to recommend a memoir it would be this one. I loved it. 5 star review from me. I can't wait for him to release new pieces of work - I'll definitely be one of the first to read it.
This book honestly made me cry so many times in one sitting..such an emotional piece of writing I struggled to put it down. If I had to recommend a memoir it would be this one. I loved it. 5 star review from me. I can't wait for him to release new pieces of work - I'll definitely be one of the first to read it.
April 11, 2024
I enjoyed The Boy With Two Hearts by Hamed Amiri who tells the true story of his family’s escape from the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is a harrowing tale as the author, with his parents and two brothers are robbed and exploited in their quest to reach the UK, so the eldest son has a chance to have his complicated heart condition treated. The family meet others also trying to reach a country where they can have a chance at a better life. 5/5
February 9, 2023
A heartbreaking story about survival and continuous dedication.
A story about the importance of family, the love of family will always be the most crucial thing in this world as this story proves.
I CRIED IN A COFFEE SHOP WHILST READING THE LAST 100 PAGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A story about the importance of family, the love of family will always be the most crucial thing in this world as this story proves.
I CRIED IN A COFFEE SHOP WHILST READING THE LAST 100 PAGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2020
Inspiring story of hope over adversity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews