An important subject but for me the treatment of it was predictable and didn't hold my interest. DNF.

I had a few download issues with the book and by the time it was sorted, the file had unfortunately been achieved. Happy to re-review if it becomes available again.

A beautifully told story of love, separation, belonging and connection to place.

This novel starts with an explosive opening sequence, Hadi and Sama are separated by the travel ban put in place by the US President, not allowing anyone from a selection of Muslim majority countries from entering the country. Despite having lived in the US for a few years, Hadi is detained and Sama is caught in a protest mob at the airport and goes into early labour.

I loved the introduction to these characters, I instantly fell in love with them and was invested in their situation. They both felt so real to me. The issues being discussed in this novel are so infuriating to read about. I was aware of this crisis but have been removed from it and I’m so grateful to this novel for making these stories more known.

I love the writing, the perfect mix of character focus and writing focus, with beautiful lyrical sentences giving atmosphere and poetry. This is also juxtaposed with insightful character monologues, in the minds of both Hadi and Sama in alternating chapters. They almost speak to each other in their minds, giving a thought by thought account of what is going on.

These chapters are short and snappy which propels the story forward, constantly leaving the reader wanting to know what happens next. We also jump back and forward in time which, although occasionally hard to follow, really worked to build a portrait of these characters and their backstories.

I found the pacing of the story to be so compelling, this is the quickest I’ve read a book in a long time. Toward the end I did feel a little like the novel was rushing to a close and I would have liked some more exploration of Hadi’s character and the experiences he has, however this didn’t hinder my enjoyment and I turned the last page with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat.

An unmissable story, these character will stay with you for a long time. For fans of Infinite Country, The Island of Missing Trees and We Are All Birds of Uganda.

Lyrical, visceral and heartbreaking

Fundamentally, this is a beautifully written but hard to bear, heart-rending and thought-provoking love story.

Sami and Hadi meet and fall in love while living in the United States. Fleeing war and believing they have secured a better future where they can live, study and work safely, they marry and are expecting a child. Returning from his father's funeral in Syria, they suddenly find themselves caught up in the recent escalations of immigration politics with horrifying consequences.

Lyrically and viscerally elucidates the horrendous experience and repercussions of being swallowed up by the system and deported from your legitimate home. Interwoven with a parallel thread relating to the migratory behaviours observed in birds and the huge number of lives lost as a result of various hostile factors they encounter, echoing arbitrary nationalist policies and the profound human cost.

Oh my heart.
Married couple Sama and Hadi are both Syrian and reside in the USA. No Land to Light On tells the story of the moment their lives were torn apart when Hadi is refused re-entry to the USA after going to his fathers funeral.
Heartbreaking, frustrating, anger inducing this book is an emotional rollercoaster and opens up readers eyes to the horrific reality of immigration politics.

Sama and Hadi meet and fall in love in Boston. They’ve both left war torn Syria and dream of a better life for their future and the unborn child she is carrying.

When Hadi tries to return to the US after leaving the country to bury his father in the Middle East, a travel ban is proclaimed and he is refused entry.

Separated by circumstances beyond their control Sama is forced to decide whether to stay in the US without her husband to give her son a better life or give it all up so they can be reunited as a family.

This book was so thought provoking and made me think how one new rule could affect so many lives.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a book.. beautiful yet heartbreaking. I’m glad I read this and can’t wait to read other books by this Author!

What a stunning book! I loved the writing and there were so many moments where it broke my heart. I can't wait to read more by this author.