Terry Farish

The Good Braider by Terry Farish is the story of Viola, a young Sudanese girl who along with her mother and younger brother, escape from their home in war-torn Southern Sudan and make their way to Cairo, Egypt. They live in the refugee camps and work at menial jobs while they try over and over again to be accepted to the United States where they have a relative willing to sponsor them.

This heart-breaking story is told in free verse and the reader experiences Viola’s thoughts, fears and emotions in the sparse, simple yet deeply descriptive words. From Viola’s rape by a solider, to the loss of a loved one and on to their struggles once they actually reach the United States. We experience her journey to find a better life.

The author of The Good Braider is not a refugee and in fact, is a white woman, but she has done her research and has written a lyrical, moving account that feels authentic. The reader is able to get a real sense of who Viola is and how she comes to terms with what life has offered her. The story is short and moves quickly but certainly depicts the plight of the refugee in a poignant and sympathetic manner.… (more)