By
Arleen Williams
Genre: Women's Contemporary Fiction
Walking Home is a
compelling glimpse into the lives of emigrés in modern day America–refugees
from genocide and war. The book journeys from loss and grief to survival and
joy. The story hits the ground running, literally, with Kidane’s escape from
Africa that reaches far into his future into Seattle, Washington. Kidane
battles with survivor guilt while he struggles to settle into Seattle, a new
life, relationship, school and work. He wants the American dream but is haunted
by the past where he survived horrific violence in Africa, and was forced to
leave everything and everyone he loved, behind.
Beautifully written, this
poignant and intimate portrait of survivors is a must read for anyone seeking
to understand the lives of emigrants in our evolving communities.
My Review
This is such a powerful group of characters with intense backstories. Although they have started fresh in Seattle from their homeland of Africa, these characters still live with the darkness of their past. This story is very well-written. Arleen's descriptions are able to transport you to a place you've never been but can clearly envision. Walking Home takes you on a roller coaster ride of various emotions, but in the end you are left with thoughts of friendship, love, and creating your own family regardless of your roots. And hope. Walking Home is full of hope.
Author
Bio
Arleen Williams is a Seattle novelist,
memoirist, and co-author of a dozen short books in easy English for adults. She
teaches English as a Second Language at South Seattle College and has worked
with immigrants and refugees for close to three decades. Arleen lives, cycles,
and writes in Seattle.
Walking Home (Booktrope 2015) is the
third book in The Alki Trilogy--all set in Seattle. The first book was Running
Secrets (Booktrope 2013) and the second was Biking Uphill (2014).
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