The Lightless Sky: A Twelve-Year-Old Refugee's Extraordinary Journey Across Half the World

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A gripping and inspiring memoir of a twelve-year-old boy's traumatic flight from Afghanistan to the West, highlighting one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of our time. After his father's death in 2006, Gulwali Passarlay found himself caught between the Taliban and American forces. To protect him, his mother sent him away on a perilous journey for safety, leading him across eight countries—from the mountains of Afghanistan through Iran and Europe to Britain. Over twelve harrowing months, Gulwali faced imprisonment, hunger, cruelty, and terror, nearly drowning while crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Eventually granted asylum in England, he attended a good school, learned English, secured a place at a top university, and was honored to carry the Olympic Torch at the 2012 London Games. His remarkable experience offers a firsthand look at the modern refugee crisis, which has displaced millions. Few, like Gulwali, reach countries that provide freedom and opportunity. This poignant account celebrates courage and determination, reminding us of our responsibilities to those caught in life-threatening circumstances beyond their control.