In the Sea There Are Crocodiles by Fabio GedaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A true account of an Afghani boy who is forced to make his own way in the world. Abandoned at the border of Afghanistan by his mother, Eniat spends four years as a displaced refugee. The odds stacked against him, Eniat's chances of survival on his own are slim. Forced into jobs with little pay, he faces daily dangers from traffickers and deportation in the hands of often brutal and corrupt authorities.
Unwanted and tired of being exploited, Eniat moves from Pakistan to Iran, to Turkey, to Greece, finally ending his journey in Italy. Guided by kind-hearted people, he settles in Rome, where he meets the author Fabio Geda, who will write his story.
In The Sea There Are Crocodiles is a thoughtful meditation on lives of millions of forgotten people. Though the narrative reads like a fable, the events are factual. Eniat's harrowing accounts of his four years is heart wrenchng. His courage and determination - despite his youth - inspiring. Littered between the story are dialogues between the author and Eniat, which gives the book an added dimention and intimacy.
Both Enait and Geda thankfully avoid the accusing tones used in most misery memoirs. There is no resentment lacing the narrative. There is no judgement. Eniat is simply telling his story, leaving it to the reader to make up their own mind.
In The Sea There Are Crocodiles is a deeply moving and highly enjoyable read.
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