REFUGEE Questions & Answers

The book follows three distinct storylines, each centered on a child refugee from a different historical period. Josef Landau is a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938 aboard the MS St. Louis. Isabel Fernandez is a Cuban girl escaping the economic hardships and political unrest of 1994 on a makeshift raft to Florida. Mahmoud Bishara is a Syrian boy fleeing the civil war in 2015, traveling with his family across Europe to Germany.

Josef's story is inspired by the real-life voyage of the MS St. Louis in 1939. This ship carried over 900 Jewish refugees from Germany, seeking asylum in Cuba and the United States. Both countries denied them entry, forcing the ship to return to Europe, where many passengers later perished in the Holocaust. The story also touches on Kristallnacht and the early stages of Nazi persecution.

Isabel's family decides to leave Cuba due to severe economic hardship and political unrest during the 'Special Period' of 1994. Her father and uncle are involved in riots against Fidel Castro's government, and her father faces arrest. The family sees no future in Cuba and hopes for freedom, food, and opportunity in the United States, prompting their dangerous journey by raft.

Mahmoud's family faces immense challenges, including their home being destroyed by a missile, dangerous sea crossings in overcrowded dinghies, treacherous walks across borders, exploitation by smugglers, and hostile treatment from border guards and locals. They endure hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and the constant fear of capture or death, losing their baby sister Hana along the way.

Spoiler: The three storylines connect through a powerful revelation. Mahmoud's family, after reaching Germany, is taken in by an elderly woman named Ruth. It is revealed that Ruth is Josef Landau's younger sister, who survived the Holocaust because her mother made the agonizing choice to save her by giving her to a French family. Ruth's act of kindness towards Mahmoud's family brings the past and present refugee experiences full circle.

The main theme of 'Refugee' is the universal struggle and resilience of people forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or political instability. It highlights the shared human experience of refugees across different eras, emphasizing themes of survival, sacrifice, hope, loss, and the importance of empathy and human connection in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Initially, Mahmoud believes in being 'invisible' to survive, avoiding attention to escape danger. However, after enduring countless hardships and being ignored, he realizes that invisibility makes them vulnerable and unheard. He shifts to advocating for 'visibility,' leading a protest to demand recognition and help, understanding that sometimes, drawing attention is necessary for survival and dignity.

Parents in the book make profound sacrifices. Josef's mother gives up her daughter, Ruth, to save her from the Nazis, while his father battles severe trauma. Isabel's parents risk their lives on a dangerous sea voyage and make difficult decisions to protect her. Mahmoud's parents endure unimaginable suffering, including giving up their baby Hana to save her, all to secure a safer future for their remaining children.

The title 'Refugee' signifies the shared identity and experience of the main characters, transcending their different time periods and origins. It highlights their common plight: being forced from their homes, seeking safety, and facing immense challenges and prejudice. The title underscores the book's message that the refugee crisis is a timeless, universal human issue, connecting past and present struggles.

Music plays a significant role in Isabel's story, particularly her trumpet. It is a source of comfort, a means of expression, and a connection to her Cuban heritage. Her desire to play the trumpet and her struggle to hear the 'clave' (a rhythmic pattern) symbolize her search for identity and belonging amidst chaos. When she finally hears the clave, it signifies her finding her rhythm and place.

The 'wet foot, dry foot' policy was a United States immigration policy towards Cuban immigrants. Under this policy, Cubans who reached U.S. soil ('dry foot') were generally allowed to stay and apply for legal residency, while those intercepted at sea ('wet foot') were typically repatriated to Cuba. This policy created a desperate incentive for Cubans like Isabel's family to reach American shores.

The book vividly portrays both the kindness and cruelty of strangers. Characters encounter extreme cruelty from border guards, smugglers, and indifferent officials, highlighting the dehumanization refugees face. However, they also experience profound kindness from strangers who offer food, shelter, directions, or even risk their own safety to help, demonstrating the enduring power of human compassion and solidarity.

'Refugee' teaches readers about empathy by humanizing the refugee experience. By presenting three distinct but interconnected stories, it allows readers to understand the individual struggles, fears, and hopes behind the headlines. It encourages readers to look beyond stereotypes, recognize the shared humanity of refugees, and consider the profound impact of war and displacement on families and individuals, fostering compassion and understanding.

Spoiler: During a perilous sea crossing in an overcrowded dinghy, Mahmoud's baby sister, Hana, is lost. When their boat capsizes, Mahmoud's mother makes the agonizing decision to give Hana to another refugee family in a passing boat, hoping she will have a better chance of survival. The family never sees Hana again, a heartbreaking sacrifice made to save her from drowning, and a constant source of grief.

The cat in Isabel's story, named Leona, symbolizes the small, everyday losses and attachments that refugees are forced to leave behind. Isabel's initial distress over leaving Leona highlights the emotional toll of displacement. Later, the cat also serves as a reminder of the life she left in Cuba, and the hope that one day, she might return or find a new home where such simple comforts are possible.

Alan Gratz uses alternating chapters to weave together the three distinct storylines, creating a powerful comparative narrative. This structure highlights the universal themes of the refugee experience across different historical periods, showing both the unique challenges and shared struggles. It builds suspense, allows for character development in parallel, and ultimately culminates in a poignant connection that underscores the timeless relevance of the refugee crisis.

The life vests in Mahmoud's journey symbolize both false hope and the desperation of refugees. Many refugees are sold fake or inadequate life vests by smugglers, highlighting their exploitation. The sheer number of discarded life vests on beaches serves as a stark visual reminder of the perilous journeys undertaken and the human cost of seeking safety across the sea.

Josef's father, Aaron Landau, suffers severe PTSD and paranoia after being imprisoned in Dachau. His mental health deteriorates significantly, leading to delusions, violent outbursts, and attempts to jump overboard. This deterioration impacts Josef deeply, forcing him to take on adult responsibilities and witness his father's suffering, highlighting the psychological trauma inflicted by persecution and concentration camps.

The 'clave' represents the rhythmic heart of Cuban music and, metaphorically, the rhythm of life and identity for Isabel. As a trumpet player, she struggles to hear and play the clave, symbolizing her feeling of being out of sync or lost amidst the chaos of her life. When she finally hears it, it signifies her finding her place, her voice, and a sense of belonging, even in a new country.