Emily Powter-Robinson writes:
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‘I want to give a voice to the voiceless
and a face to the masses.’
Like many, the only knowledge I had of
refugees had been fed to me through the media; endless facts and statistics
about nameless people fleeing war-stricken countries to find safety in Europe. Hearing
Gulwali Passarlay tell his unimaginable 12-month odyssey from Afghanistan to
Europe helped to humanise the endless media stories broadcast over the years
about the refugees, and had a profound impact on everyone in the audience.
Many audience members spoke out about the
heart-wrenching effect Gulwali’s story had had on them, admitting that their
perspective on the refugee debate and the manner in which the UK treats
refugees had changed, with many getting actively involved in changing the
government’s response to the refugee crisis.
Gulwali spoke of the impact that just one
individual in the UK could have on a refugee’s life, saying that ‘Britain is at
its best when it leads and shows humanity.’ He spoke of the importance of
getting involved with charities who help refugees to transition into British
society, of getting in touch with local MPs to encourage local change in the
treatment of refugees, of getting involved in protests, and even of simple acts
of kindness such as showing a refugee where the nearest supermarket is.
One of the most admirable and inspiring
qualities of Gulwali was his genuine gratitude for the people who had helped
him along his journey, and ultimately saved his life. He is extremely dedicated
to helping others, wanting his experiences to help newcomers and encourage them
to open up about their stories. Gulwali’s hope and faith which remained with
him through even the darkest of times really put everything into perspective. His
hope for future peace, his love for his home and family in Afghanistan, and his
altruism for others ignited a change in everyone in the room. ‘The Lightless Sky’
is a book that can both give something to the reader, and can encourage the
reader to give something back to society. Faced against all odds, Gulwali’s
triumph over adversity and his extraordinary determination to give back to
society is well worth reading.
Emily Gibbons writes:
‘110,000 words, 15 years of my life’. This is how Gulwali
Passarlay summed up his incredible memoir, The Lightless Sky. It seems
impossible that his tortuous 12,500 mile journey from Nangahar in Afghanistan
to England can be condensed into such an average sized book, but each word on
the page is deliberate and evocative, chosen carefully as to describe the
emotional horror of the journey and keep a consistent pace to hold the reader
on edge.
Passarlay began the session by providing us with a
blow-by-blow of his journey, and despite the horrors he faced, the most
compelling thing upon listening to him was the nostalgic love for his
birthplace, where he was brought up in the kind of beautiful rural idyll
coveted by so many of us. This would have been complemented by a reading from
the book, in which he sets the scene of his rural home with a nostalgic
reverence. However, Passarlay’s account at the event was incredibly engaging and
thought-provoking, as he provided a native perspective of Afghanistan’s history
and political climate to those of us whose understanding of it is simply spoon- fed to us by a biased media.
It was a testament to The Lightless Sky to hear so
many of the audience members speak up about their own actions after reading the
book. Some of them had visited Calais and mounted their own campaigns to
support refugees. As Passarlay explained, so much change could be brought if
more people were to become active, by speaking to their MPs about the refugee
crisis, or volunteering to help refugees navigate this alien country. Simple
acts of kindness like this make all the difference, and can help empower each
other and build a stronger community. One of the main things to take away from this
discussion was never to underestimate the power of literature, because it
really can bring about change and help to build understanding and community in
any situation.
Appreciation for our two Leeds University students, Emily Gibbons and Emily Powter-Robinson, who turned up to help with all the set-up, clearing up and blogging for us. Thanks girls!
Audience Reactions
We are so lucky
to have Gulwali visit Leeds and speak first-hand about his experiences. He spoke with such wisdom and passion, it was
an honour to be in the audience.
Interesting, informative
Amazing! Extremely helpful, mind-changing experience.
Fantastic
event! Great insight into the author's
journey and good discussion involving the audience
A very
inspirational, thought-provoking and motivating event. Hope to become involved with asylum seekers
now.
Gulwali made it
real in terms of the journeys refugees make to get here. His positivity in the face of current
political climate was impressive and encouraging. Also his encouragement to do personal acts of
kindness as well as campaigning.
A fantastic
evening. It was inspiring to listen to
Gulwali talk about his life in Afghanistan and experiences as a child
refugee. Humbling to listen and
depressing to hear how western governments are acting.
Very good
talk. Very good motivating speaker.
A very
interesting talk: informative, educational, inspiring.
Gulwali the
writer spoke about the difficult experiences of making the journey from
Afghanistan to the UK. He had awful
experiences but by stressing the positive he has inspired many to be actively
involved in supporting refugees.
Having read
Gulwali's book and being so moved and also incensed by it I felt compelled to
come and hear him speak. An inspiring
man and an incredibly relevant story. We
need to act on the issue of unaccompanied child refugees now, with one
voice. Thank you for a great event.
Hugely
informative. A speaker well worth
listening to.
Very inspiring
talk and discussion by this author. I
will definitely read and encourage others to read the book.
An inspiring
talk and fabulous conversation opportunity.
My first
Headingley LitFest event and it was
brilliant – enlightening an moving. Thank you.
Very
eye-opening. Giving a different outlook
on refugees.
I suspect so
many of the British population think that the refugee crisis is not their
problem – this type of event needs to get to a broader spectrum of people.
Excellent, thank
you.
Unconventional
presentation, insomuch as no reading from the book. However, a lucid account of the book's
narrative. Q&A somewhat one-side and the political analysis somewhat
simplified, but overall a worthwhile and thought-provoking evening.
Thoroughly
fascinating and enthralling. Thank you
for writing another book that can be put on the pile of bigger and better books
that enlighten the government and worry the people in power. Mark Twain: “Those who can read but don't are
no better than those who can't read.”
Amazing
opportunity to put a human face on a news story which denies that real people
are involved and concentrates on the numbers.
Inspiring.
A really
interesting and uplifting event
It was fantastic
to have this event – really important
for refugee voices to be heard and an encouragement to keep campaigning for
refugee rights.
Interesting
evening. Maybe one thing the libraries
could co is encourage others to write about their experiences.
An inspirational
story and speaker showing great humanity;
inspires action and hope!
Very interesting
talk from Gulwali Passarlay about his time as a prisoner and his travels across
the world trying to escape (from Afghanistan's war zone).
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