LoveReading Says
November 2017 Debut of the Month
Yonas and his best friend Gebre have escaped from Eritrea, East Africa, and fled to England, a horrific journey. Once in England they are forced to work unpaid, preparing shellfish. They are told the work is to repay the trafficker. They live in appalling conditions in the factory where they work and survive on little food. Eventually Yonas escapes, Gebre does not. Yonas’ hopes of freedom soon evaporate despite being befriended by some remarkable people. He goes to an organisation which helps immigrants where he applies to remain in England. He is not allowed to earn money while waiting for his case. The whole bureaucratic system is quite startling. Enter the defending barrister Jude and her story, not quite as “life changing” as the publishers imply, [Louise you may wish to cut the last phrase]but a fascinating contrast which deeply affects her. It is a gripping story, initially told in statements which must reflect what is happening to thousands in Europe, good, kind people who are escaping horror but the authorities make it very hard for them. Read this, you certainly can’t fail to be moved. Sarah Broadhurst
Sarah Broadhurst
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The Invisible Crowd Synopsis
'A fierce, big-hearted novel.' Joe Treasure, author of The Book of Air
'Pushes us to find our kinder selves.' Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author of Harmless Like You
'A wonderful book.' Maurice Wren, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council
One of the Guardian's Readers' Books of the Year
Long listed for Not the Booker Prize
Awarded the Victor Turner Prize in 2018
2nd March 1975
In Asmara, Eritrea, Yonas Kelati is born into a world of turmoil. At the same time, on the same day, Jude Munroe takes her first breath in London, England.
Thirty Years Later
Blacklisted in his war-ravaged country, Yonas has no option but to flee his home. After a terrible journey, he arrives on a bleak English coast.
By a twist of fate, Yonas' asylum case lands on Jude's desk. Opening the file, she finds a patchwork of witness statements from those who met Yonas along his journey: a lifetime the same length of hers, reduced to a few scraps of paper.
Soon, Jude will stand up in court and tell Yonas' story. How she tells it will change his life forever.
Fearless, uplifting and compelling, The Invisible Crowd is a powerful debut novel about loyalty, kindness - and the brief moments which define our lives.
Amazon reviewers love The Invisible Crowd:
'One of the best novels I've read this year.'
'I found myself absorbed from page one.'
'A delight to read while also being thought provoking and super relevant.'
'Beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant, I highly recommend it.'
'A debut novel with a huge heart.'
'The Invisible Crowd is compelling from the first page and will pull your heart kicking and screaming through the turmoil of finding a home, safety, and love.'
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780008228859 |
| Publication date: |
26th July 2018 |
| Author: |
Ellen Wiles |
| Publisher: |
HQ an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
338 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Thriller and Suspense
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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