Thank you Henry Holt & Co. for a free copy of Welcome to the new World. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Based on true events Welcome to the new world tells the story of a family of refugees fleeing the middle east to build a life in America. And the challenges they’ll face along the way. It gives insight into the refugee experience. The confusion, doubt, fear, and misunderstanding. That comes with taking a risk to leave everything behind and in the hopes to build a better life.
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Art Style
Welcome to the new World art is simple. It’s similar to what you’d find in our local paper. There isn’t an extensive use of color. Stories that are told in the present time are black and white while flashbacks are told in back and white. Even though there isn’t an elaborate use of color or detailed artwork. It doesn’t take away from the story. I still found myself able to connect with the characters.
The Story
The story opens up with Ibrahim Aldabaan and his family being approved for travel to the United States. They’re faced with the decision to wait for their extended family to be approved or leave as soon as possible. With the impending 2016 election, the family decides to leave everything behind and make their way to the United States in the hopes of building a better life for themselves. We follow them along their journey and witness the ups and downs of being a refugee. Like learning a new language, and finding work.
There are a lot of heartbreaking scenes in this graphic novel. I found myself on the verge of tears as each family member had to make sacrifices, overcome adversities, in order to pursue a better life. But they refused to give up and through perseverance and the helping hand of others they grew closer to their hopes and dreams.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed Welcome to the new World. My only complaint is that I wanted more. It ended too quickly for me and I wanted to read more about Ibrahim Aldabaan and his family’s journey. And see more of their interactions outside of their family members and sponsors. Their story, hopes, and dreams were infectious. And the insight it gives into the refugee experience will leave you having a better understanding of refugees and their struggles. So if you’re looking for a quick read that skillfully shows the complexity of emotions and the challenges refugees face when they come to the United States. Then grab a copy here.
Once again thank you Henry Holt & Co. for a free copy of Welcome to the new World.
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This sounds very intriguing. Not exactly something I’d pick up on my own (I’d be like, “Geez, that seems heavy”.) But you make sound like it’s a worthwhile read. Adding it to my Goodreads 😊 Nice post x
Thanks for stopping by! I had the same thought when I was reading the synopsis.