raq after graduating from high school, or else face conscription in the army. Dreaming and believing that his “escape” is just around the corner; Lewis fails to apply himself at university, and is inducted after not attending classes. Believing he would get a chance at another course of study, Lewis is stunned to find himself in the Iraqi army. We witness the brutal elements of his army training. After being posted in southern Iraq, his fluency in English is noted and he’s slated for transfer to the army intelligence sector, to help implement Saddam’s repressive regime. This news makes him ready to do anything to escape his situation. When he finally makes it to England, his troubles are just beginning, since the Iraqi authorities imprison his uncle, mother and brother because of his escape. The book is exciting and absorbing, with Alsamari not trying to justify or excuse his actions, but only to explain them. His desperate dilemma of trying to get his family out of the country shows us the seamy and grim side of borders and customs, and what it’s like to be juggling all your resources and money just to get to freedom.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Escape from Saddam, by Lewis Alsamari
Lewis Alsamari is an Iraqi who spent his early life in England when his father was pursuing his studies there. His parents separated and his mother returned to Iraq with his younger brother and sister, and Lewis was sent back to be with his mother at age 12. Shortly after that his father also returned and Lewis lived with him in Mosul. Although Lewis is eager to return to England, he instead ends up having to attend university in I
raq after graduating from high school, or else face conscription in the army. Dreaming and believing that his “escape” is just around the corner; Lewis fails to apply himself at university, and is inducted after not attending classes. Believing he would get a chance at another course of study, Lewis is stunned to find himself in the Iraqi army. We witness the brutal elements of his army training. After being posted in southern Iraq, his fluency in English is noted and he’s slated for transfer to the army intelligence sector, to help implement Saddam’s repressive regime. This news makes him ready to do anything to escape his situation. When he finally makes it to England, his troubles are just beginning, since the Iraqi authorities imprison his uncle, mother and brother because of his escape. The book is exciting and absorbing, with Alsamari not trying to justify or excuse his actions, but only to explain them. His desperate dilemma of trying to get his family out of the country shows us the seamy and grim side of borders and customs, and what it’s like to be juggling all your resources and money just to get to freedom.
raq after graduating from high school, or else face conscription in the army. Dreaming and believing that his “escape” is just around the corner; Lewis fails to apply himself at university, and is inducted after not attending classes. Believing he would get a chance at another course of study, Lewis is stunned to find himself in the Iraqi army. We witness the brutal elements of his army training. After being posted in southern Iraq, his fluency in English is noted and he’s slated for transfer to the army intelligence sector, to help implement Saddam’s repressive regime. This news makes him ready to do anything to escape his situation. When he finally makes it to England, his troubles are just beginning, since the Iraqi authorities imprison his uncle, mother and brother because of his escape. The book is exciting and absorbing, with Alsamari not trying to justify or excuse his actions, but only to explain them. His desperate dilemma of trying to get his family out of the country shows us the seamy and grim side of borders and customs, and what it’s like to be juggling all your resources and money just to get to freedom.
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