The first children’s book exploring Direct Provision, Ireland’s asylum-seeker accommodation system, from Jane Mitchell, the award-winning author of Chalkline and A Dangerous Crossing.
Azari’s life has been split in two and the halves are as different as lemons and mangoes. Running links the two parts of her life: sometimes when she runs it is because she wants to, because she feels strong and free. But sometimes it is because she has no other choice.
When Azari and her mother flee for their lives to Ireland they are put in a Direct Provision Centre. They must share a room with a stranger, eat food they don’t know the name of and answer intrusive questions from authorities.
Azari’s life has secrets; she must tell them so she can stop running and live a life where she can make her own decisions.
We've all heard about Direct Provision - either scaremongering of the kind that features here, or exposes on how awful it is, or politicians telling us how wonderful it is and how much refugees love it. For children, though, it can be difficult to understand, which is why books like this are so important.
I was marking quotes as I went along, but I ended up with so many I couldn't choose. There are so many moments in this story that absolutely shine. This is a book that should be in schools and libraries and on bookshelves all over the country, but especially schools. Children need to be aware of what actually drives people to come here for help and freedom. Maybe then we can avoid tragedies like the all too plausible one shown here. It says a lot about Ireland, I think, that I absolutely believed a thing like that could happen - but also that the care and concern and help that happened afterwards could happen too.
It took me a while to realize where Azari is from (although that's not the point of the story, of course; I settled on India but could still be wrong.) The alternating chapters showing her history are heartwrenching, especially when they reach the climax they've been building up. Jane shows the heartbreak and grinding terror so clearly. I loved the little shout outs to her earlier books, too!
This is an incredible read, and a really important one. I can't wait for people to start reading it.
Run for your Life is available now. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review. The publisher is donating all money made from sales to a charity working to help Ukranian child refugees.
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