Author Description

Osman Saleh, his sister Mariam, and their three school friends flee Eritrea with Idris, the son of a war hero. The reasons behind their decision to leave their beloved families and a country that is an integral part of them are gradually revealed as they come together to plan their great adventure. Ahead lies an incredibly perilous journey, taking them over mountains, across the Sahara Desert, and through two war-torn countries—without passports or any form of identification. Constantly hiding to avoid capture and deportation, they rely on unreliable transport and fall prey to ruthless smugglers. Throughout their dangerous quest, the friends grow closer, sharing moments of hardship and hope. But gradually, they drift apart, losing each other to the unforgiving landscape until only Mariam and Osman remain, standing on the shores of the Mediterranean, their dream of freedom within reach. This epic story follows six young people as they struggle to survive and pursue their dream of independence.