What Strange Paradise

Content Warning: Chapters 24-30 Summary and Analysis contains references to xenophobia and distressing scenes, including the death of children.

Umm Ibrahim is the first to spot colorful lights in the fog. The migrants hear a familiar song, which she recognizes as “Khosara,” an Egyptian song. Mohamed urges them to be cautious; they do not know if the lights belong to vigilantes. The Calypso is beginning to come apart, pounded by waves. When the lights of the shoreline come into view, the passengers rush to the side of the boat, causing it to lean. A young Tunisian man is the first to jump overboard.

Amir watches as the workers and soldiers clean up the scene around the refugee raft below the lighthouse. Though he has intentionally avoided it up until now, he cannot help imagining how his mother must feel with him and Quiet Uncle missing. He regrets the times when he resented her for marrying Quiet Uncle and having Harun.

Vänna wakes up as the last of the crew leaves. Seeing the soldiers’ jeeps below, she grabs Amir and they run down the stairs. Vänna drops her backpack, and its contents spill out. They see Kethros’s jeep turn around and make a run for it.