Finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize
Named a Best of Book of the Year by The Economist and Foreign Affairs
Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
The Dadaab refugee camp, located in the arid expanses of northern Kenya, has become a symbol of both despair and resilience. It is home to over half a million inhabitants, each with their own story and struggle, caught in a place that serves as their last resort. In his gripping narrative, Ben Rawlence takes readers deep into the heart of this camp, revealing the complex lives of its residents.
Dadaab presents a stark contrast to the opinions of outsiders. To charity workers, it represents an urgent humanitarian crisis; to the Kenyan government, it is seen as a potential breeding ground for terrorism; and to the Western media, it is often depicted as a no-go zone. Yet, for those residing within its makeshift walls, it is home. Rawlence's journey spans four years and is enriched with vivid accounts of individual lives, including Guled, a former child soldier whose passion for football drives him, and Nisho, a wheelbarrow pusher dreaming of a better future.
Through these interwoven narratives, "City of Thorns" offers readers an immersive insight into the social dynamics and everyday challenges faced by the camp’s inhabitants. The resilience of Tawane, the youth leader, and Kheyro, a student striving for education, epitomizes the studious and hopeful spirit that persists despite overwhelming odds.
Ultimately, this book not only highlights the urgent human stories within the camp but also addresses the broader political forces that contribute to the plight of refugees. With clarity and compassion, Ben Rawlence crafts an urgent narrative that resonates far beyond the confines of Dadaab.
