A Country of Refuge
By Lucy Popescu
An Anthology of Writing on Asylum Seekers from Britain and Ireland's Finest Voices edited
Unbound Exclusives
About the book
Most of the refugee stories we read about in the media are negative. But the reality for those fleeing persecution is more often about the emotional scars of torture and the struggles of building a new life. This anthology of new writings on asylum seekers is intended to directly challenge the negative press given to those seeking a safe haven on these shores as well as serving as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Britain has a long history of providing safe refuge to those fleeing conflict, poverty or terror and it is something we should be proud of. Using the works of celebrated writers is one sure way to generate more positive perspectives regarding asylum seekers. Writers are uniquely placed to challenge pre-conceived ideas and stereotypes because of their understanding of the power of words and ability to articulate truths.
Building on the success of the landmark Australian publication, A Country Too Far, this sister anthology will incorporate the work of Britain and Ireland’s finest writers including: Hassan Abdulrazzak, Sebastian Barry, William Boyd, Kate Clanchy, Amanda Craig, Moris Farhi MBE, Elaine Feinstein, Tim Finch, Sue Gee, Stephen Kelman, A.L Kennedy, Hanif Kureishi, Marina Lewycka, Hubert Moore, Courttia Newland, Ruth Padel, Katharine Quarmby, Noo Saro Wiwa, Joan Smith, Roma Tearne, Rose Tremain and Alex Wheatle MBE.
A Country of Refuge will include newly commissioned fiction, memoir, poetry and essays and is intended to make a positive and vital contribution to the national debate.
Hi, Caitlin at Unbound set to post via this page. I'd like to submit a poem for consideration which I believe has resonance. I have had poetry published before in newspapers, literary journals etc. Seamus Heaney even wrote to me to say he liked one. On the Famine Ridges, Garrafrauns, County Galway (for Austin and Áine Cunningham and Family, Custodians.) The swirl of a morning mist revealed them Close in together. By one, by two ‘pended across a flitch of a field - a hard wrought stone strewn mire Weak shadows moving up shallow trenches angry fists beating the anvil earth Empty bellies giving poor counsel in their kitchen - the hunger hearth Stark ration scoured faces gathered Mouthing a futile hymn "Bia, Dia, Bia" their prayer Whole parishes perishing Last-born planted like seedlings A crop they were fain to sow Old ones shunned poor-shares and wandered bequeathing each curséd row Left furrows watered with mother's tears from the bitter harvest's well Ridges blooming with desperation by Jude's October bell. Sun summoned to sleep. They drift back anchored to earth's embrace Coffined by dead roots and branches condemned by time and place On uncut flags the lark laments these wraiths where they shelve their bones A shroud of bog cotton their raiment their monument - a tumble of stones *Food, God, Food
Thank you for sharing your poem. Yes it's very resonant. I do have a full quota of writers for the anthology, I'm afraid, but do hope you can place it elsewhere. There is an anthology of poems being prepared.... http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/poems-4-people-anthology-in-solidarity-wrefugees that may be of interest to you. Thanks again. Bw Lucy