In 2011, against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Syria’s citizen call for revolution. Rebel groups are formed to overthrow dictatorial president Bashar al-Assad, who responds by plunging the nation into a years-long civil war. Aleppo, Syria’s most populous city, becomes the main battleground and the epicenter of the world’s refugee crisis. This is where we meet the family of Walid, Dalia, Amina and Youssef.
The young Amina, a whip-smart grade-A student, narrates her family’s odyssey after a government air strike destroys their home. Thrust into chaos, her family is forced to endure wretched refugee camp, risk treacherous ocean crossings and ultimately escape the terror of opportunistic jihadist militias.
Samya Kullab’s masterful narrative maps both the collapse and destruction of Syria, as well as the real-life tragedies faced by its citizens still today. Escape from Syria is a gripping portrait of courage and determination in the face of this ongoing worldwide crisis.