Setting
"Refugee" is a novel that weaves together the stories of
three refugee families across different time periods and
locations. The setting of this narrative takes readers on a
journey through time and place, from Nazi Germany in
1939, to Havana, Cuba in 1994, and finally to the war-torn
streets of Aleppo, Syria in 2015. Each setting serves as a
backdrop to the unique struggles and challenges faced by
the young protagonists, highlighting the universal themes
of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit in
the face of adversity.
Theme
REFUGEE
The central theme of "Refugee" by Alan Gratz is the resilience of
the human in the face of hard times. Through the stories of
three different refugee families from different time periods and
places, the book explores how people can endure and overcome
immense challenges, including war, persecution, and
Narrative Conventions
displacement. It emphasizes the universal desire for safety,
hope, and a better life, regardless of one's background or
circumstances. "Refugee" shows the strength and courage of
individuals and families as they navigate the journey to find
refuge and highlights the importance of compassion and
empathy in a world marked by conflict and displacement.
Conflict
There is a person vs. nature problem that adds to the challenges the
characters face. For instance, when Josef and his family are trying to
escape Nazi Germany by taking a ship to Cuba in 1939, they encounter a
fierce storm at sea. This natural obstacle makes their journey even more
dangerous and uncertain, as they have to battle rough waters and the
forces of nature while trying to reach safety. Similarly when Isabel and
Mahmoud both faced person vs. environment problems when they had
to navigate treacherous waters while escaping to find safety, battling
the sea as they sought refuge. It highlights how nature can be as much
of a threat as the human conflicts in the book, making their struggle to
find refuge even harder.
By: Mahnoor
Characterization
Josef, a determined and compassionate boy with blond hair and
piercing blue eyes, escapes Nazi Germany with his family, displaying
bravery and responsibility beyond his years. Isabel, a resilient and
resourceful Cuban girl with dark, curly hair and a fierce spirit, takes
on the role of protector for her family in 1994 as they face hardship
while attempting to reach America. Mahmoud, a courageous Syrian
boy with expressive dark eyes and disheveled black hair, embodies
unwavering strength and perseverance in 2015, despite losing his
home and family during his journey to safety. These three young
characters inspire admiration and respect through their
extraordinary determination.
Plot
"Refugee" by Alan Gratz tells the stories of three young people,
Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, from different times and places. They
all face really tough situations and have to leave their homes to find
safety. The book shows how they're all connected by their struggles
and their hope for a better life. It's about how they stay strong and
keep going, even when things are really, really hard, and how
important it is for people to help each other in difficult times.
Point of View
"Refugee" is narrated from a third-person point of view,
allowing readers to see the experiences and emotions of
the three main characters from an objective
perspective. This choice of point of view offers a well
understanding of each character's journey and their
challenges, while also enabling readers to connect with
their individual stories on a deep and empathetic level.