Sea Prayer

Author: Khaleed Hosseini illustrator: Dan Williams Publisher: Riverhead Books ISBN: 9780525539094

VERY few writers know how to create maximum impact with a few carefully thought-out words.

In Sea Prayer, Afghan-born American novelist and physician Khaleed (who gave us masterpieces like The Kite Runner) has written a short poignant story that packs a powerful message.

The story is of a father telling his young son Marwan of their once idyllic life in their home country, and how it all changed due to politics and war.

With death and despair all around them, they are forced to take desperate measures to survive. How the father tries to reassure his son (perhaps even himself) of a better life across the sea will bring tears to your eyes.

S e a Prayer is based on the tragic story of Alan Kurdi, the three-yearold Syrian refugee who drowned in the Mediterranean sea in 2015, and of the thousands of refugees who died in an effort to escape turmoil in their own countries

Their struggle, hope, and despair are packed in just a few sentences set against Williams’ illustrations. Khaleed’s words are powerful enough to bring forth emotions ranging from nostalgia and love, to anger, loss and fear in the reader.

This book is, in a way, his response to the current tragic refugee crises. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), and Khaleed’s own foundation to help refugees around the world. – S. Indra Sathiabalan