In the nonfiction book A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea, author Melissa Fleming tells the story of Doaa Al-Zamel, a Syrian refugee who takes dangerous risks to find a life of freedom. The story begins by explaining that Doaa has nearly drowned twice in her life. The second time was shortly after seeing her fiance, Bassem, drown next to her, sinking into the sea. The first time was at a lake in Syria wear she would spend hot days in the sun with her family. Doaa has always been afraid of water. This book describes the unbelievable ways in which Doaa overcomes not
only that fear of water but, more importantly, her fear of living a life confined by the rules of an unfair government. Doaa grows up a shy and quiet girl until the Arab Spring happens and she becomes inspired to take part in protests to end an oppressive regime in government.
Doaa finds her voice as she begins taking part in protests. Her parents, however, fear for her safety because protesters have become targets of violent acts committed by government police. Doaa's city is placed under siege and military tanks roll down the streets. The family struggles to find food during the siege and her father cannot return to work at his barbershop until the siege has ended. After the siege, and a number of near-death experiences for Doaa and her family, her parents decide it is best for them to leave Syria. Doaa is frustrated and heartbroken because she cannot imagine leaving her home when she wants to be on the front lines of the protests. Fleming describes the powerful transformation of Doaa from a young, shy teenager to a strong, motivated activist.
The Al-Zamel family travels to Egypt and soon finds themselves in a toxic environment where Syrians are viewed as intruders to the country. Doaa meets Bassem, a kind and dedicated man who wishes to marry her. Doaa rejects Bassem at first; however, she soon realizes that he could help her take care of her family. Her love for Bassem grows as she sees him perform acts of kindness for the people around her. The two become engaged and decide to leave Egypt for the shores of Europe. Doaa and Bassem embark on a dangerous journey onboard a smuggler's ship. The ship sinks at sea and Doaa and Bassem are stranded in the water with all of the other refugees leaving Egypt. Bassem drowns at sea and Doaa cares for two babies, one of whom does not survive, while she waits for rescuers to find her.
I have been telling everyone I know to read A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea. Some people may think that the Syrian refugee crisis has been solved because the mainstream media no longer publishes many stories about the displacement of Syrians. Millions of people are still affected everyday by displacement. Stories like this one raise awareness about the reality of the Syrian refugee crisis.
Reference
Fleming, M. (2017). A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea. New York, NY: Flatiron Books.