The Lightless Sky--A refugee's tale

That is the title of a book that tells the story of a 12 year-old boy who was told by his mother, "Leave now and don't come back." The story explains why she had to take that drastic step to save his life.

It took over a year for Galwali to leave his village in Afghanistan and make it to France. His journey included several times running through rocky valleys at night, spending time in four prisons, going without food and water for countless days, making and leaving friends, and becoming resilient and savvy about the refugee life.

I recommend it for insight into the way of life of the refugee.

One thing that stands out is how organized the system is that took him from his village in Afghanistan to France. The fee was $8,000 paid to a man in Kabul. Along the way Gulwali was passed from agent to agent in a very well established network, all of whom were directed from Kabul. Payment, pickups and deliveries, meals, tickets, and much more was all done with remarkable efficiency. There were gaps, to be sure--thugs, thieves, and unscrupulous people. Overall, however, there was a sense of honor to carry out the contract with his mother and provide the necessities for Galwali to make it.

A very enlightening read. The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay