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Hope Not Fear

Finding My Way from Refugee to Filmmaker to NHS Hospital Cleaner and Activist
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hope Not Fear is the inspiring memoir of Hassan Akkad, a refugee, filmmaker, and activist. It chronicles his journey from protesting the Assad regime in Syria to seeking asylum in the UK, where he worked as a covid ward cleaner and campaigned successfully for the rights of NHS cleaners. Hassan's story is a profound testament to resilience, courage, and compassion, showing how one person can bridge divides and inspire hope in challenging times.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This memoir will resonate with readers interested in contemporary global issues, refugee experiences, social justice, and personal stories of activism and hope.

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A poignant and powerful memoir from BAFTA award-winning filmmaker, Syrian refugee, NHS cleaner and activist Hassan Akkad following his journey to freedom and exploring his hopeful and practical approach to activism.

A poignant and powerful memoir from BAFTA award-winning filmmaker, Syrian refugee, NHS cleaner and activist Hassan Akkad detailing both his journey to freedom and his hopeful and practical approach to activism.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An extraordinary story that deals with the urgent issues of our era . . . a story about resilience, renewal - Elif Shafak

A stunning testament to human strength, courage and compassion, Hope Not Fear shows that nobody is powerless to change the world. This memoir from refugee, filmmaker, and activist Hassan Akkad traces his campaigns for justice, from protesting the Assad regime in Syria to winning greater rights for cleaners in the NHS.

Since seeking asylum in the UK, Hassan's unshakeable instinct to raise awareness, help and connect, has seen him share not only his experience as a refugee, but also his experiences during the coronavirus pandemic as a COVID ward cleaner and documentary filmmaker. As a witness and advocate, he bridges national and political divides; his humanity, sense of service and ideals bring people together.

If you find yourself wondering where to find hope in difficult times, this book is the place to start.

Remarkable - The Observer

A journey of hope and connection . . . this will do much to restore your faith. - Stylist

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Stylist praises it as a journey of hope and connection that restores faith in humanity, while author Elif Shafak highlights its urgent exploration of our era’s issues blended with resilience and humanism. The Observer calls it remarkable. Actress Emma Thompson describes it as a vital reminder of global community, stating the book left her both heartbroken and uplifted. This moving memoir showcases the power of individual action and shared humanity.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529059854

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bluebird

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 218g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Hassan Akkad is a photographer, film-maker and activist living in London. He fled Syria in 2015 and was part of the team that made Exodus: Our Journey to Europe which won the BAFTA for Best Factual Series or Strand in 2017. Hassan campaigned successfully for the removal of the Β£400 surcharge for immigrant NHS cleaners and porters to use the NHS themselves and for the reversal of their exclusion from its bereavement scheme. His video welcoming refugees to the UK, with Led by Donkeys, was projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover and featured across UK news networks. He has featured across print and broadcast media, including in Vogue, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Independent and on BBC News and Good Morning Britain. Hope Not Fear is his first book.

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