Lights In The Distance: Exile and Refuge at the Borders of Europe

In this remarkable book, Daniel Trilling explores the human experience of the 'refugee crisis' by following their journeys, by considering what keeps them going, as they reach Europe's frontiers, and after.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

This captivating exploration delves beyond mere statistics and political rhetoric to unveil the profound human dimensions of the refugee crisis. The Guardian highlights the poignant stories of individuals who have been compelled to make drastic choices, such as a mother who risks her children's lives by placing them in a refrigerated lorry, a runaway teenager navigating the streets and abandoned buildings, and a student fleeing his war-ravaged country to avoid taking up arms. Each of the thousands of individuals who embark on the perilous journey to Europe in search of asylum carries a unique tale, yet their narratives extend far beyond their individual experiences.

In Lights in the Distance, acclaimed journalist Daniel Trilling embarks on a profound journey, drawing upon years of reporting to paint a vivid portrait of the refugee crisis. As the European Union has expanded, a complex and often violent system has been put in place to filter out unwanted migrants, extending from the border into cities. While the crisis gained widespread attention in 2015, its roots trace back much further. Trilling immerses himself in camps, hostels, detention centers, and his own family's history of displacement, weaving together the stories of the people he encountered and followed across different countries. Through his meticulous research, he challenges the simplistic labels commonly used to define refugees and economic migrants, legal or illegal, deserving or undeserving.

The founding myth of the EU revolves around the aspiration to prevent the recurrence of the horrors witnessed during the twentieth century. However, as the Union navigates its most severe refugee crisis since the Second World War, its core values of freedom, tolerance, and respect for human rights are being put to the ultimate test. The crisis has exposed deep divisions within the EU, highlighting the need for a unified and compassionate response. It has also prompted a global reassessment of refugee policies and the responsibilities of nations in addressing the global refugee crisis.

In conclusion, Lights in the Distance offers a profound and empathetic perspective on the refugee crisis, shedding light on the human faces and experiences that often go unnoticed. Through the narratives of those who have endured unimaginable hardships, the book challenges our preconceptions and urges us to confront the complex realities of displacement. It serves as a reminder of the shared humanity we all possess and the urgent need for collective action to address the global refugee crisis.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509815630