The Book
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.
I'm glad Arleen Williams accepted to answer a few questions and even to give me some precious teaching tips! Here's our exchange. I hope you'll enjoy it .
My interview
The
new overwhelming flood of immigration to
Europe is present–day breaking
news. Thousands and thousands of desperate human beings are fleeing from their
countries at war and coming to our countries in search of safety and freedom. Your
book is a perfect chance to focus and reflect on this urgent matter. So many
thanks, for accepting to answer my questions, Arleen!
It is my pleasure, Maria Grazia. Thank you for reading my
work.
My
first question is : what led you to
write “Walking Home”?
I've been working with refugees and immigrants at a
large urban community college for thirty years. As an ESL instructor, I find
myself in frequent conversations with students dealing with the extreme
hardships of leaving homelands they may
never see again while also trying to adjust to the challenges of a new culture
and language.