Homes

A Refugee Story

By: Abu Bakr al Rabeeah, Winnie Yeung

Narrated by: Ali Momen

In 2010, the al Rabeeah family left their home in Iraq in hope of a safer life. They moved to Homs, in Syria - just before the Syrian civil war broke out.

Abu Bakr, one of eight children, was 10 years old when the violence began on the streets around him: car bombings, attacks on his mosque and school, firebombs late at night. Homes tells of the strange juxtapositions of growing up in a war zone: horrific, unimaginable events punctuated by normalcy - soccer, cousins, video games, friends.

Homes is the remarkable true story of how a young boy emerged from a war zone - and found safety in Canada - with a passion for sharing his story and telling the world what is truly happening in Syria. As told to her by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah, writer Winnie Yeung has crafted a heartbreaking, hopeful, and urgently necessary book that provides a window into understanding Syria.

©2018 Winnie Yeung (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Is it a good story?

It feels weird reviewing this as a bad, average, or good story, because it’s the story of a kid surviving on-going war, terrorism, and fear. It was Abu Bakr’s life. I cannot imagine what growing up with bombs, gun fire, and violence surrounding me would be like. It’s a heavy story, but it was a story I feel like I benefited from hearing. I think everyone can benefit from hearing.

Love Intent; Needs to Reveal More Story

While I thought that this topic was very interesting, the reading seemed to base and factually toned: not as engaging as it could have been. I would have liked to have heard more about what actually happened in Syria now as an older boy looks back.

Understanding the Why for Immigration

An absolutely heart-rendering story written about immigration. Told by the perspective of a young boy and following him through early teen years, this story will explain to you why we immigrate. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and infuriating and wondrous. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know why someone would leave their only home for a better life.

Must-listen

Compelling, incredible story of Abu Bakr and his family's journey from Iraq to Syria to Canada. A must-listen and narrated wonderfully.