BY CATHERINE ARMITSTEAD

 

AN INVOLVING story about a connection between two fragile characters, and the refugee experience in modern-day Glasgow.

We meet Deborah as she volunteers to become a mentor for the Scottish Refugee Council. This is her first attempt to re-integrate with the outside world since her husband died.

In the next chapter the narrative switches, continuing with Abdi’s thoughts. He is the refugee that Debs will mentor. The dual perspectives reveal details about both these individuals’ lives, on slow release, as if we are with them, involved in their meetings.

We learn of Abdi’s tragic experience, moving from Somalia to a bleak Kenyan camp, then to the "Yookie" (UK), which he has barely even heard of. The author skilfully presents information which Abdi finds painful. His daughter, Rebecca, is so traumatised that she refuses to speak.

Debs and Abdi have certain experiences in common, they were both teachers for instance, and this helps them to understand one another. A delicate relationship develops in which frustrations and secrets emerge. Debs is initially frightened by Abdi’s need, while he is terrified to ask for help.

There is a powerful sense of place. Chapters begin with snippets of tourist information relevant to the areas where the characters meet. The Glaswegian dialect, with words such as "wean" for child, or "dwam" for daydream, is difficult for Abdi to "catalogue" and also feels alien to the non-Scots reader. Overall, we have a picture of Glasgow ‘with its vital and raging energy’.

Side stories about other immigrants or homeless people allow the author to portray further difficulties related to racism, mental health, unemployment, housing and corruption. This is a topical read, given the recent debates about Europe and border controls.

The novelist deals courageously with such topics; characters confront prejudice, moral dilemmas and the cost of their decisions. Our eyes are opened and we question our own responses, asking what we would do in their situation.

An image of a newspaper blowing in the wind leads to the observation that "there’s no sense to be made of it all. But we insist on weaving a narrative." Campbell, who has previously published crime fiction, has woven a structured and literary narrative, with realistic and memorable characters. I highly recommend this sensitive and relevant novel.

 

This book was published by Bloomsbury Paperbacks and is available to buy for £7.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out