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The Naked Don't Fear the Water

A Journey Through the Refugee Underground
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( 6,696 ratings, 700 reviews)
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
The Naked Don't Fear the Water by Matthieu Aikins is a gripping narrative that follows the author's undercover journey with his Afghan friend Omar as they attempt to flee war-torn Afghanistan. This poignant tale explores themes of friendship, identity, and the perilous path of refugees seeking safety and a new beginning. Set against a backdrop of danger and uncertainty, it offers a deeply personal insight into the human cost of conflict and migration.
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to compelling narratives that explore human resilience and friendship amidst the challenges faced by migrants. With a blend of personal experience and investigative reporting, it offers a deep insight into the journeys of those seeking refuge, highlighting both the dangers and the enduring spirit of hope.

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In this extraordinary book, an acclaimed young war reporter chronicles a dangerous journey on the smuggler's road to Europe, accompanying his friend, an Afghan refugee, in search of a better future.

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

In 2016, a young Afghan driver and translator named Omar makes the heart-wrenching choice to flee his war-torn country, saying goodbye to Laila, the love of his life, without knowing when they might be reunited again. He is one of the millions of refugees who leave their homes that year.

Matthieu Aikins, a journalist living in Kabul, decides to follow his friend. In order to do so, he must leave his own passport and identity behind to go underground on the refugee trail with Omar. Their odyssey across land and sea from Afghanistan to Europe brings them face to face with the people at the heart of the migration crisis: smugglers, cops, activists, and the men, women, and children fleeing war in search of a better life. As setbacks and dangers mount for the two friends, Matthieu is also drawn into the escape plans of Omar's entire family, including Maryam, the matriarch who has fought ferociously for her children's survival.

Harrowing yet hopeful, this exceptional work brings into sharp focus one of the most contentious issues of our times. The Naked Don't Fear the Water: A Journey Through the Refugee Underground is a tale of love and friendship across borders, and an inquiry into our shared journey in a divided world.

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The Naked Don't Fear the Water by Matthieu Aikins is lauded for its immersive and poignant exploration of the refugee crisis. The narrative, celebrated for its clarity and emotional depth, offers a gripping portrayal of refugees’ perilous journeys, highlighting themes of friendship, bravery, and the indomitable human spirit. Critics commend its powerful storytelling and the author's courageous journalistic approach, marking it as a significant and humane account of global emigration challenges.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781913097851

Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 February 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 125.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 388

About the Author

Matthieu Aikins has reported from Afghanistan and the Middle East since 2008. He is a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, a contributing editor at Rolling Stone, and has won numerous honors, including the George Polk and Livingston awards. He is a past fellow at Type Media Center, New America, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the American Academy in Berlin. Matthieu grew up in Nova Scotia, and has a master's degree in Near Eastern Studies from New York University. The Naked Don't Fear the Water is his first book.

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