Alan gratz book summaries

“We are not going to let them take our hope.”

This line is spoken by Josef's father, Aaron Landau, during their journey on the MS St. Louis. It reflects his determination to maintain dignity and optimism despite the persecution they face. It's a powerful statement about resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity and a recurring theme for all the refugee families.

“We have to be invisible to survive.”

Mahmoud's father, Waleed, often tells him this early in their journey from Syria. It encapsulates their initial strategy for navigating dangerous territories and hostile populations: drawing no attention to themselves to avoid conflict or being turned away. This philosophy guides Mahmoud's family for much of their harrowing escape.

“I wish I could be invisible.”

Mahmoud thinks this early in his journey, reflecting his desire to avoid the violence and scrutiny that comes with being a refugee in a war-torn country. It highlights his initial fear and the instinct to hide from danger, contrasting sharply with his later realization about the power of visibility.

“Fight for your life, little girl.”

Lito, Isabel's grandfather, says this to her during a terrifying storm at sea. It's a desperate plea and encouragement for Isabel to survive the perilous journey to Florida. This line underscores the immense danger and the will to live that drives the refugees.

“We are human beings!”

Mahmoud's father shouts this in frustration and defiance when they are treated with contempt and violence by border guards. It's a powerful assertion of their dignity and humanity, demanding to be seen and respected rather than treated as a nameless, unwanted mass.

“The world had turned its back on them.”

This line describes the tragic fate of the passengers on the MS St. Louis, including Josef's family, as country after country denied them entry. It highlights the international indifference and xenophobia that led to many Jewish refugees being sent back to Nazi Europe and ultimately to their deaths.

“He was a ghost.”

This refers to Josef's father, Aaron Landau, after his release from Dachau concentration camp. The trauma and abuse he endured left him a shell of his former self, haunted and paranoid. This description conveys the profound psychological damage inflicted by the Nazi regime.

“Sometimes, doing nothing is the worst thing you can do.”

Mahmoud's father says this, reflecting on the consequences of inaction and the need to stand up for oneself and others. It's a crucial lesson Mahmoud learns, inspiring him to transition from being 'invisible' to 'visible' and actively seek help and justice for refugees.

“I'm sorry, my love.”

Josef's mother, Rachel, says this to her daughter, Ruth, as she makes the agonizing choice to save Ruth by giving her to a French woman, while Josef and Rachel are taken by the Nazis. It's a heartbreaking expression of a mother's ultimate sacrifice and love.

“We are not going to Cuba. We are going to America.”

Isabel's father, Papi, says this to her, correcting her initial understanding of their destination. It reveals the true, desperate hope of reaching the United States for freedom and opportunity, even though their journey is officially to Miami.