Hope Not Fear

by Hassan Akkad

'I've experienced the best and worst of humanity. I've been detained and beaten, and welcomed and respected. And yet, this story - my story - is one of hope, not fear.'

A frontline covid ward cleaner.

A BAFTA award-winning refugee.

A photographer and filmmaker with an instinct to raise awareness, help and connect.

From the jasmine-scented streets of Damascus to uprisings, protest, torture and being forced to flee his home, Hassan Akkad has experienced the unimaginable. Yet, he still holds on to hope and chooses to see the kindness in humanity every day.

Driven by an unshakeable instinct to raise awareness, help and connect, Hassan describes both his perilous journey to the UK - the subject of his BAFTA award-winning film 'Exodus' - and his life in Syria before the war. Since seeking asylum in the UK, it is this caring instinct and determination that has seen Hassan share not only his unique eye-witness experience as a refugee, but to the coronavirus pandemic, where his documentation of work as a cleaner on a London hospital Covid-19 ward instigated a government U-turn on excluding the families of NHS cleaners and and porters from its bereavement compensation scheme.

With his unique storyteller's instinct, Hassan has captured hearts the world over. He bridges national and political divides, his humanity, sense of service and ideals bring people together. Readers of his story in Hope Not Fear will not want to cry, but to campaign because his message of triumphing over adversity by standing together, united in kindness and love, is the single most important message of our time. In this book, he shows us why.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography, Audiobook, Middle East, Book Club

296 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Edited 11/12/22: apparently my review is the top one for this book (once again a sign that it DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH RATINGS!), so I figure I should add a couple more thoughts than just the list of CWs!]

I usually don’t rate memoirs, but this one deserves all of the stars! It’s absolutely heartbreaking, but so essential for anyone who thinks they have an opinion on refugees in the West.

Akkad is incredibly clear-eyed about his experiences (even managing to check his own privilege at times!), and I’m so impressed by the way he balances the horror of the injustices he has faced with moments of such hope and humour. The ultimate message of the book is one of empathy and kindness and human connection, and that fact alone is truly amazing after everything he’s faced.

I particularly recommend the audiobook, which is particularly intense as he narrates it himself, and you can hear the emotion in his voice, but it makes everything so real and so impactful.

CW: police brutality; graphic descriptions of state-sanctioned torture; incarceration; refugees; death; sexual assault; COVID-19; brief suicidal ideation; brief reference to miscarriage

[Matthias Dewolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echt een inspirerend, zelf-relativerend boek, maar opgepast TW: voor abuse, torture, af en toe een beetje verlies in geloof in de mensheid (vooral in het eerste deel) maar met toch ook lichtpuntjes tussenin. Het eerste deel speelt zich grotendeels af in Syrië en was voor mij ook het meest beklijvende en had de grootste impact. In het tweede deel wanneer hij gemigreerd is naar de UK vond ik iets minder samenhangend omdat hij een vogelvlucht neemt door veel gebeurtenissen en een beetje doorheen de jaren raast. Maar al bij al, een hele sterke, eerlijke, enorm heftige autobiografie van Hassan als hij wegvlucht uit Syrië opzoek naar een tweede leven in de UK.

[Pamela Usai · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW/TW: mentions of COVID-19, trauma, police brutality, graphic torture descriptions, mentions of suicide, death, refugee experience

Hassan Akkad is the type of hero that we need to speak about, and learn about, more often. Born in Damascus and fleeing the ensuing Syrian War, "Hope Not Fear" is a human story at its core. Narrating the harrowing journey that Akkad not only endured, survived, but documented, this memoir is one that reminds us - urgently - that there is little strength in individualism during adversity. From forced incarceration, to seemingly insurmountable border crossings, to working in COVID wards during the ongoing pandemic, Assad shows readers how solidarity is the path to overcoming everything that threatens to tear us apart. I remind fellow readers of the content and trigger warnings (see above) as it is NOT a light read, and is one that will not only make you mull over what has happened, but also (hopefully) spur you into education and action.

Thank you PanMacmillan and Bluebird books for a #gifted copy of this ARC in return for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hassan is an amazing individual and his capacity for generosity, courage and humility is one of a kind. Made particularly current for his relations of the pandemic to his asylum seeker experiences. It’s a truly harrowing story and Hassan is a skilled storyteller. He clearly shows how the current climate in Syria came to be, and demonstrates undeniably how the typical British reader isn’t all that different to any refugee. I would say just to be prepared for how harrowing this is - despite the title, I would say I left feeling not particularly “hopeful” but more feeling a sense of urgency that UK politics desperately needs to address the issues raised. This isn’t a criticism of the book - I appreciated the brutal honesty and felt it was needed - but it is far from an easy read.

[Gem ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profoundly moving, shocking yet uplifting memoirs of both the war in Syria, the plight of refugees, and the covid pandemic in the UK. The parallels with authoritarian approaches, fear, humanity, isolation, and the kindness of strangers across the world between both war and a global pandemic are astutely written and also captivate and inspire. It leads as a cry for justice, acceptance, equality, safety, and love, for all.

[Simon Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating life lived, inspiring message coming from it. Definitely moved me to tears a couple times as it articulates so well what's both beautiful and awful about humanity. So would recommend to absolutely everyone, but also needs a fair trigger warning for the description of violence and torture Hassan suffered in Syria as these parts are really horrifying.

[Naseerah]

if you read one book this year, it should be this.

[Júlia Conejero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increïble. Feia temps que volia llegir-me aquest llibre. Una història de resiliència i coratge d'una persona meravellosa. Per desgràcia la seva història no és única. És una autobiografia, però es pot llegir com una novel·la, ja que Hassan té una capacitat de narrar els fets d'una manera que l'història t'atravessa. M'ha remogut molt aquest llibre, i sobretot m'ha educat. Gracies 💗

[Issie_Reads]

I don't rate non-fiction books, but this was truly fantastic. Absolutely recommended read.

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard review to put into words, a life affirming and painful story, continue to be grateful for the privilege to be born in a democratic country

[Celine Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was really insightful into the stories and lives of refugees, especially the author’s gripping storytelling of his travels across continents and seas. There were also many moments in this book that made me smile- getting a glimpse of untold stories of those less privileged was heartwarming yet sad at the same time.

Decided to give it a 3 despite that. Unfortunately I felt the book plateaued towards the middle and ended up feeling rather preachy and repetitive. Just felt like I went from a first person novel to a very long and boring article.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for everyone

[Suad D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Not Fear, narrates the story of life before the war in jasmine-scented Damascus and how it changed upside down for early twenties successful English teacher Hassan when he was arrested for taking the streets to protest in 2011.

“March 2012 was freezing cold, winter still lingering over Syria, as if spring would never come.”

After surviving torture and abuse in jail, Hassan leaves Syria for neighbouring Arab countries that puts limits on its visas, making planning for a future impossible. He later takes us along his smuggling journey reaching the UK where he believed he could add value since he knew the language. Little did Hassan know when he documented his escape trip through Europe that this film will end up in a documentary that would win him a BAFTA award.

Dealing with his own trauma, Hassan recharges by volunteering and helping others around him. He reflects on his days during the pandemic where he worked as a cleaner in his local hospital and ended up putting up a public message that led to a huge U-turn in the British government policy regarding the hospital workers benefits. He also shines the light on paper borders and how much it took its toll on him, coming from a loving strongly related family.

“Covid will go, but these injustices won’t. The virus will be dealt with eventually, but refugees will carry on living separated from their loved ones because of the documents they have or they don’t have.”

Hassan’s writing is honest and brutal. I am glad he managed to find and radiate hope through his impressive positive impact. Despite his story of injustice, torture and trauma, he still manages to uplift his readers. I personally felt encouraged to do more volunteering work.

[Miss Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found elements of this book hard to read - and rightly so I believe for what this incredible gentleman has been through. Most of us don't want to come face to face with detailed tracts of narrative about torture and abuse, I almost walked away from it, but I am so glad I didn't. It isn't gratuitous or overplayed for effect, this is an absolutely true and mind blowing story and whilst this is one man and one family, it is the same, I'm sure for many many others living in countries torn apart by war and violence and terror.
The story of his escape, his journey as a refugee/asylum seeker and how he chooses to develop his life is one of 'Hope, not Fear' and is utterly remarkable, uplifting and inspirational. The people he meets along the way show the best and worst of society and it is still such a current issue, despite the time that has elapsed since his personal journey there are still people facing these situations every day.
I'll overlook the foray into politics at the end, usually for me this is a bit of a turn off for a book/author to try and drive home a viewpoint at the very end of a book - I guess if you have been through what he has then you are entitled to have a bit of a dig at the establishment, although perhaps with an acknowledgement that at least now he lives somewhere where he can safely do so, and isn't going to end up in jail as a result.

[Anthony Frobisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadness, fear, resilience, fortitude, hope

I first followed Hassan Akkad in the extraordinary documentary, Exodus. What struck me was how resilient and determined Hassan was. How having faced the worst of humanity and to regularly placed in life threatening circumstances, with seemingly little hope, he was able to retain his dignity, and to overcome adversity. Fleeing from Syria, imprisonment and torture, enduring a 3 month journey to reach the UK and seek asylum, Hassan could have bided his time, recovering (as much as is possible) from the trauma that had thrown his life and his family (and country) into turmoil.
But his resolve to make a difference, to contribute to society in a positive way, is an example we can learn from and should follow. Despite the triggering environment of a hospital facing the peak of the Covid crisis, he volunteered to be a cleaner on a Covid ward. His compasson towards patients, medical staff and his colleagues, most of whom were migrants, is incredible. His is a voice that is now recognized globally, and a voice that is listened to and is effecting positive change.
We should be grateful Hassan Akkad is making the difference he is. A book that is full of profound sadness, loss and fear, but is ultimately full of kindness, compassion, hope and humanity. Hassan Akkad is the best of us.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In August 2020, scrolling through Instagram, I watched a video projected onto the White cliffs of Dover. Produced by political campaign group Led by Donkeys, it featured Hassan, eloquently telling his story & that of the millions of other Syrian refugees displaced by civil & proxy war, who had been unable to find safe and legal routes to refuge in the UK. Today, in the midst of the Ukraine crisis, it’s absolutely clear that we didn’t have a refugee problem, only a racism problem. As a Syrian refugee Hassan wasn’t welcomed with open arms. He suffered torture in Damascus under the Assad regime, (TW harrowing descriptions of torture) extreme deprivation, a brutal & terrifying 3 month journey across the Mediterranean & mainland Europe to finally reach asylum, witnessing the deaths & imprisonment of friends, went on to be an NHS cleaner during the Covid Pandemic & a BAFTA winning Filmmaker & world renowned advocate for refugee rights. Hassan is an incredible human with the biggest heart & this is honestly the most humbling & inspiring memoir I’ve ever had the privilege to read. At times it’s hard to fathom how he has managed to retain his generosity of spirit & good humour, his empathy, his hope; but he does. A must read.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

it feels it would be inhumane to rate this book anything less than 5 stars. This book is truly heartbreaking but also incredibly heartwarming - his account is a reminder of how much we can gain as a society when we welcome others in. Hassan is so vulnerable in his story telling, recounting severe physical and emotional trauma and for that i am grateful he found the strength to tell his story. Finally, his ability to centre so many other people and their hardships and stories within his is the skill of a true story teller and he is an asset to our society and humanity. I think this book is an important read for everyone.

This book is incredibly powerful and also incredibly hard to read at times.

[Christine Busuttil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books written by people fleeing their homeland and seeking refuge elsewhere so I debated if this I should give this 5 stars but I decided I had to for several reasons.
Hassan by telling his story has done much to highlight the plight of those suffering unbearable cruelty at the hands of others but also the torturous mental health issues it causes.
He speaks openly and honestly and despite all he’s been through keeps a perspective on life that shows hope not fear is the only way forward for human society.
Thankyou Hassan for choosing hope over fear.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I started thinking about this when people described the pandemic as the ‘greatest equalizer’. I don’t agree with that sentiment at all. Rather, this crisis has exposed the inequalities that exist in our society. Covid will go, but these injustices won’t. The virus will be dealt with eventually, but refugees will carry on living separated from their loved ones because of the documents they have or the ones they don’t have. The world is divided into people who can move freely and those who can’t. The immigration system is what pushes people into taking dangerous routes into Europe. Sometimes this has the very worst of consequences."
There are times when this book can be cheesy, but there are also times when it is incisive, reflective and wry. Akkad has lived the heck of his life so far. Throughout this book, he describes how he has taken agency. From being a tough, if privileged, kid he revinvents himself into a succesful English lit teacher. Then he jeapordises this position to join the democracy protesters in Syria's Arab Spring, inspired by the emergence of social media organising. After two stints in Assad's notorious prisons leave his with mental and physical impairments, he flees Syria to wander the region as the situation in his home deteriorates even further. Akkad is one of the many young male refugees who decides to try for Europe, and a life that might be stable. He is unusual in prioritising his GoPro, ensuring footage of this epic journey is preserved. This part of Akkad's story is essential: I speak to too many people who assume the perils of the sea crossing to Lesbos are caused by people jumping on boats with the police at their heels. The reality is that they cross by boat to avoid European-patrolled borders which will turn them back. The great 'game' of traversing Europe without being fingerprinted until you are in a stable country is entirely artificially imposed as a way of reducing access. It's a kind of sick competition where the stakes are lethal and the rewards is the right to claim asylum in the country you want. We who are born with protective passports get to feel good about the 'hardships' endured by those who get asylum, without ever acknowledging how many of those are created by our governments.
Anyway, Akkad's book is better than my rant. He goes on to win a BAFTA when his footage is used by a film-maker, only to find that those film-makers have little interest in helping him find work or training, or crediting him more than as a contributor. When the pandemic hits - a very different prospect for those with PTSD from solitary confinement - he signs up for essential work as a cleaner. Shocked by the lack of respect and care shown to these workers, he creates online content which goes viral.
This is always Akkad's view - not a book which tries to present multiple takes on a topic or teach about broader issues - but his frank commitment to a collective society which runs through his life makes this is a pretty good read.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

TIGGER WARNING: abuse, self-harm , sexual abuse, violence, PTSD, trauma, torture



No words, only tears can capture the depth of emotion stirred by Hasan Akkad's memoir. As readers, we become silent witnesses to the harrowing and transformative experiences that shaped his life before, during, and after the Syrian revolution.

With each page, I felt honoured to bear witness to Hasan’s memories. The content is undeniably disturbing, laden with trigger warnings that reflect the brutality he endured. Yet, Hasan bravely revisits these painful moments, offering them with raw honesty. At times, the weight of his words was so overwhelming that I found myself sobbing, sharing in his grief and hope.

His happiness became my own. When he found moments of joy amidst the darkness, I rejoiced with him. But it was in his sorrow that I felt most connected, as if I was there with him—in the prison cell, in despair, and in hope.
This book is more than a memoir; it’s an experience. It inspires not just by Hasan’s resilience, but by the strength of the human spirit. His story will stay with me, a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and the importance of remembering those who have suffered in silence.

[Dawn Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A personal memoir of one man's journey from Damascus in Syria to the UK. While in Syria, Hassan demonstrated against the regime and this led him to being arrested and tortured. After his second incarceration he knew he had to flee and find asylum in another country. This book follows his efforts to make it to England and details all about what its really like to be a refugee and put your life in the hands of smugglers. Even once safe in England Hassan still suffers with PTSD and one of his triggers is hospitals (due to the torture he had) but this didn't stop him from playing his part in the Covid response and becoming a hospital cleaner. This is not an easy read understandably but if you are interested in other cultures or the refugee crisis then this is an important read.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Inspirational story of Hassan Akkad, a man who stands up time and time again for what he believes and what is right, thus making the world a better place. From detention and torture in Syria to winning a Bafta and helping the NHS in its time of need, this story is both brutally honest, passionate and awe-inspiring. We all need to be more like Hassan Akkad.

I think the points he makes about the UK government's recent failings and the more than unhelpful stance that has been taken on immigration in particular, are damning and precise.

[Matt Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful book with incredible messages.

It's a difficult read especially the current crisis happening in Afghanistan.

Akkard's experiences of being tortured under the regime of Assad, the journey to Europe, working at the Covid wards during the height of the pandemic. He used his films filmed during the escape, and social media to raise awareness on the refugee crisis and social injustice here in the UK.

[Ellen Hibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really moving and insightful book. Whilst the narrative can be difficult to read in place, it was a really enjoyable book. It shows an insight into the incredible journey of Hassan Akkad, a refugee from Syria as well as what comes afterwards with integration and mental health issues.

The book is written well and is easy to read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more and to feel inspired. It's a very powerful book.

[Poppy Bullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible raw and personal account of just one persons experience of working on the frontline of the pandemic in a London Hospital, life in Syria before the war, being forced to leave home in Syria and become a refugee in the UK.

Anyone who reads this will have a new found appreciation for refugees and the contribution that immigrants make to British society.

[Kirsty Le Dain · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies that I have ever read and extremely pertinent still. I fear that it’s messages about corruption and xenophobia will continue to be relevant for years to come.

This book teaches such an important lesson about how small acts of kindness can revolutionise and how we can prioritise being kind in the most dire of circumstances.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did such a great job at capturing the scope of the refugee crisis while bringing a human aspect to it as well. I think it could really shape the way that the world looks at refugees and how we should treat them and advocate for them, as well as some of the horrors that they have had to endure.

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to Hassan Akkad speak at Lost Village in 2021, bought a copy and only just got round to reading it. I learned so much and found parts so upsetting and harrowing, but Hassan’s strength and resilience is genuinely incredible. Such an important story of what it is to be a refugee and as Hassan says, highlights once again the luck/lottery of being born in a democratic country