Fearless, uplifting and compelling, The Invisible Crowd is a powerful debut novel about loyalty, kindness – and the brief moments which define our lives. To celebrate its paperback publication, today is my stop in the Blog Tour and I am sharing my thoughts on this thought-provoking story:
Title: The Invisible Crowd
Author: Ellen Wiles
Published: July 26th 2018 by HQ Stories
Blurb: 2nd March 1975
In Asmara, Eritrea, Yonas Kelati is born into a world of turmoil. At the same time, on the same day, Jude Munroe takes her first breath in London, England.
Thirty Years Later
Blacklisted in his war-ravaged country, Yonas has no option but to flee his home. After a terrible journey, he arrives on a bleak English coast.
By a twist of fate, Yonas’ asylum case lands on Jude’s desk. Opening the file, she finds a patchwork of witness statements from those who met Yonas along his journey: a lifetime the same length of hers, reduced to a few scraps of paper.
Soon, Jude will stand up in court and tell Yonas’ story. How she tells it will change his life forever.
Review: The Invisible Crowd is a very important and relevant story, especially with the current refugee crisis in Europe. It tells the story of Yonas, who arrives illegally at the UK after escaping prison in his country, Eritrea. He was imprisoned for trying to tell the world with articles about the reality in his country. We learn about his backstory and current situation both through his own narration but also through many different people who have interacted with him.
I found this structure very interesting and engaging. The people that Yonas has met are all from different backgrounds and have very different opinions, so it gives you quite a wide view on the whole process he goes through. Also, each chapter starts with a real headline related to refugees. Reading them, you realize how some media clearly wants to paint them as the bad guys. It's saddening how some people would believe them and assume the worse for every single person who needs to escape their own country for fear of dying and tries to find a better life in a completely new and foreign country.
I really hope that reading Yonas' story will make many people think twice before assuming the worse. Every single person has a story and it's worth listening to it.
I also found it very clever that Yonas and Jude, who is going to defend his case in court, were actually born the very same day. It really makes you think how different their lives have been.
The Invisible Crowd is a very compelling story that focuses in the people behind the headlines. A very interesting novel that I am sure will touch many hearts.
Rating: 4 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
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