Boy with Two Hearts: A Story of Hope - BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week 29 June - 3 July 2020

The Boy with Two Hearts is a powerful tale of a family in crisis and a moving love letter to the NHS. It tells the true story of the Amiri family's journey from Afghanistan to the UK, where they sought asylum and fought to save their loved ones.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2021
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd

The true story that inspired the stage adaptation of the Amiri family's journey from Afghanistan to the UK is an enthralling and inspiring tale of resilience and hope. In 2000, in the city of Herat, Afghanistan, a mother courageously spoke out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country, risking her own life in the process. Meanwhile, her family's watchful eyes were never far from their beloved son and brother, Hamed, who had a rare heart condition that would prevent him from leading a normal life.

When the Taliban issued an order for the execution of Hamed's mother, the family knew they had to escape. They embarked on a long and dangerous journey, traversing Russia and Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination. For a year and a half, they lived as refugees, facing numerous challenges and hardships. They endured attacks from mafia and police, terrifying journeys in strangers' cars, treacherous treks across demanding terrain, days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink, and even being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned.

The family's need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son's deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered. The Boy with Two Hearts is not only a tale of a family in crisis but also a love letter to the NHS, which provided hope and reassurance as they sought asylum in the UK and fought to save their loved ones.

The Amiri family's journey was filled with unimaginable hardships, but their determination and resilience never wavered. They faced each obstacle with courage and determination, never losing sight of their goal. And in the end, their love and support for one another helped them overcome the most challenging of circumstances.

The story of the Amiri family serves as a reminder of the human spirit's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger. And it is a reminder that, no matter how difficult the journey may seem, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785787133