In the Sea There are Crocodiles: Based on the True Story of Enaiatollah Akbari
Book Description
Escaping the jaws of despair, Enaiatollah Akbari embarks on a harrowing journey that will test the limits of his courage and resilience. Fleeing from the chaos of war-torn Afghanistan, he travels through hostile territories, dodging danger at every turn, faced with the harsh realities of survival. Each step unveils the human spirit's breathtaking strength and the bonds that form in the unlikeliest of circumstances. With every border crossed, the stakes rise, and hope flickers on the horizon. Can one boy's unyielding spirit overcome a world filled with obstacles and cruelty?
Quick Book Summary
"In the Sea There Are Crocodiles" tells the extraordinary journey of Enaiatollah Akbari, a young Afghan boy forced to flee his homeland due to the threat of the Taliban. After his mother leaves him on the border of Pakistan for his own safety, Enaiat struggles to survive, constantly moving through dangerous territories. His odyssey spans from Afghanistan to Italy, traversing Iran, Turkey, and Greece, facing exploitation, hunger, and constant risk. Along the way, Enaiat finds moments of kindness and solidarity with strangers and fellow refugees, which sustain him against immense adversity. Fabio Geda brings Enaiat's voice to readers with honesty and humanity, tracing the resilience and optimism required to endure such relentless hardship, and illuminating the migrant experience through a personal and deeply moving lens.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Enaiatollah Akbari’s journey begins in Afghanistan, where he lives under the constant threat posed by the Taliban. His mother, fearing for his life because of ethnic and political persecution, makes the painful decision to take him across the border into Pakistan. There, she leaves him alone, hoping he will find a chance at survival elsewhere. Left to fend for himself at a young age, Enaiat is confronted with immediate adversity: securing food, work, and shelter while navigating the uncertainty of being a refugee far from home.
The Power of Human Kindness and Solidarity
As Enaiat moves from Pakistan to Iran, then Turkey, Greece, and finally Italy, he faces a relentless series of challenges. Child labor, manipulation by smugglers, and constant risks of detention mark each stage of his journey. Yet, moments of kindness—be it a shared meal or compassionate advice—illuminate his path. These human connections, often fleeting, give him the strength to persist and underscore the solidarity among the uprooted, as each migrant’s story intertwines with the next in a shared struggle for a safe haven.
The Harsh Realities of Migration and Displacement
Throughout his ordeal, Enaiat’s resilience emerges as a central theme. Despite oppressive odds, he refuses to give in to despair. Each hardship—from dangerous border crossings to the psychological toll of separation—tests his spirit. He approaches life with pragmatism, wit, and a stubborn will to survive. The constant threat of being caught and deported shapes his ability to adapt, forcing him to mature rapidly while never losing sight of small joys and the hope for a better future.
Loss, Hope, and the Search for Belonging
The book also confronts the broader issues of migration and exile. Bureaucratic indifference, xenophobia, and systemic exploitation are starkly portrayed, revealing the impersonal hurdles faced by countless refugees. Enaiat’s narrative does not dwell on politics, but his personal perspective captures the global crisis on an intimate scale, inviting empathy and understanding for millions in similar situations.
Coming of Age Amidst Chaos
Ultimately, Enaiat’s journey is not only about survival but also about finding new roots. Arriving in Italy, he begins to attend school, learn the language, and dream beyond daily survival for the first time. The trauma of loss—of family, homeland, and childhood—is tempered by the friendships and opportunities he discovers. His story closes on a note of cautious optimism, embodying the enduring quest for belonging and a future reclaimed from chaos.
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