I don't normally read non-fiction/memoir type books but when this was suggested to me by someone at Macmillan, I read the blurb and immediately knew it would be an important read.
That's the best way I can really sum this book up, it was so important. Important for Yusra's voice to be heard and vital for people to read it and hear her voice.
The book starts out with Yusra recounting her normal life in Syria, which for her consisted of a lot of swimming, everyday. Her dad was training her and her sister since she can remember and it wasn't long before she set her sights on the olympics - at the ripe age of six years old. It was crucial for Yusra to tell this part of her story and set the scene of her life where her and her family were happy in their home country. It is this that gives the contrast and shows the immense reluctance with which her and her sister, Sarah, eventually knew they had to leave.

When the conflict starts occurring, Yusra is sure it won't last long. When it escalates, she is sure it will end. They all are. They are all trying to carry on with their normal lives while bombs are dropping and guns are being fired. This is a true story. Yusra is real and so is her family and so is everyone she knew in her life. The longer the conflict goes on, the more eagerly they are yearning for it to end. So many people she knows are leaving. They're going to Turkey, to Europe. She doesn't want to leave her home, her country.

When Yusra and Sarah eventually realise they have to leave (it's that or wait to get hit by a bomb or wait for the war to end) they encounter a harsh and dangerous journey. Yusra's account was so painful to read at times with the constant thought in my mind that this happened to her and thousands upon thousands of others just like her.

The memoir was told in a simple and direct manner. It was very easy to read (except when it was utterly tragic) and it had a good flow. The simple fact was, this story did not need dressing up in any way. The truth merely had to be told.

Yusra's journey was remarkable but it wasn't unique. So many didn't make it and so many are still suffering in Syria. Now more than ever, this is such an important book. I really think everyone should read this. It provides an immensely powerful insight into the journey of a refugee, what they go through and most importantly - why. They didn't want to leave home, they had to and all they really want is to be able to go back home.

An inspirational story.
The story of one woman who was a refugee, escaping her war torn country, who saved the occupants of the boat upon which she was a passenger. Who then went on to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games as part of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team.

I think what Yusra went through was awful, but what she achieved and what type of person she is incredible. Reading this book made me feel both saddened by what she has been through and proud of what she has achieved through the trauma. It is such a shame that she has had to go through all of this at such a young age, but she has achieved so much as well, and that in itself is a feat that she should be proud of.

Not at all my usual style of book, and I'll be honest; not following sports at all, I'd never heard of Yusra. If I hadn't been offered this one I probably wouldn't have picked it. It's an interesting read, though, written in a way that makes it clear how young she was when she crossed borders. It would work well in a classroom setting when talking about war or refugees.

Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.