A.M. Dassu's Boy, Everywhere follows a teenage boy named Sami, who lives with his parents in Damascus, Syria, where he lives a privileged life in which he has to worry about little other than domestic squabbles. However, when civil war erupts in his country, his life turns upside down. He once lived a sheltered life, but chaos, violence, and loss soon took over his entire life. Eventually, the instability of the civil war and the associated violence forced Sami and his family to leave Syria in search of safety.
Sami and his family embark on a journey towards Europe, where they hope they will find safety. But their journey isn't an easy one. They have to contend with a number of dangerous situations, like treacherous sea crossings and detention centers. Their journey exemplifies the harrowing experiences many refugees face in search of safety and a better life. Throughout their travels, the family encounters both cruelty and kindness, illuminating how people react differently to tragic situations.
Upon reaching their final destination (England), the family encounters further challenges. They struggle to adapt to the British culture and almost constantly combat prejudice and bureaucratic obstacles to their asylum claim. However, amidst these challenges, moments of hope and resilience emerge as Sami tries to rebuild his life.
Dassu's novel provides an insight into the refugee experience, which few have had to deal with in their lives aside from sensationalized headlines. In the book, readers are invited into a world that is far removed from sensationalistic headlines and statistics. Additionally, Dassu's portrayal of Sami shows that, in many ways, Sami is like every teenager. He's just a teenager who happens to be a refugee, something which comes with unique consequences. In many other ways, though, he exemplifies the universal experience of teenagers.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the balancing of profound despair, like the challenges Sami and his family face, with hope. Dassu's novel encourages its readers to have some empathy for a population that doesn't get much of it: refugees. The novel reminds people to be kind to everyone and embrace their shared humanity.
