Ibrahima Balde is a migrant from the Republic of Guinea who crossed
the desert to look for his younger brother. After entering the
European Union without papers, he made his way to the Basque
country, where, while living in a homeless shelter in Irun, he met
Amets Arzullus. Ibrahima has applied for asylum, and now lives in a
Red Cross hostel in Madrid.
Amets Arzallus Antia, a child of refugees, is a renowned Basque
improvisational poet who works with an association that supports
migrants.
Timberlake Wertenbaker is an award-winning British playwright.
‘The charm of this wonderful book is both in the simplicity and the
innocence of the storytelling. Ibrahima’s quest is at times
heartbreaking, at times amusing, but steadfastly fascinating and
admirable. His stream-of-consciousness delivery, with no detail too
small to omit, will captivate readers and keep them turning the
pages. This inspirational book should be mandatory reading at every
school in the country.’
*Robin Yocum, award-winning author of The Essay*
‘Who among us could have walked half so far, survived half so many
perils, as Ibrahima Balde? Told with innocence and honesty, his is
an astounding story of kindness, cruelty, and everything in
between.’
*Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of
Refugee*
‘A deeply moving novel that reminds us of the power of perseverance
and love in the face of violent borders. This is an important
book.’
*Reece Jones, author of White Borders*
‘A breathtaking and eye-opening account in the best tradition of
storytelling, where a true story is told simply and without
embellishment, for Balde's painful journey needs none. Along the
way, we are brought into a world where, despite unimaginable
cruelty and violence, compassion is found in the slightest of
places and where people who have so little to give always find a
way to do so. Above all, perhaps, it is an incredible story of
dedication, loyalty, and one boy's determination to do the right
thing, despite all odds.’
*Mark R. Thornton, author of Kid Moses*
‘A heartbreaking account of a poor West African's journey to
Europe, prompted by the disappearance of his younger brother who
had gone ahead. From a remote village in Guinea, Ibrahima's journey
takes in a range of cultures, languages and dangers in a story that
says far more than dehumanising statistics ever could.’
*The New European*
‘Balde’s narration is concise and unemotional, but its lightness of
touch belies the weight of worry and expectation he has carried
since the age of 13.’
*New Internationalist*
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