A NYTBR Editor's Choice ?This is a book of radical empathy crossing many borders ? not just
borders that separate nations but also borders of form borders of meaning and borders of
possibility. It is powerful and humane and deserves to find a wide wandering readership.? ?
Mohsin Hamid author of Exit West In this extraordinary book an acclaimed young war reporter
chronicles a dangerous journey on the smuggler's road to Europe accompanying his friend an
Afghan refugee in search of a better future. In 2016 a young Afghan driver and translator
named Omar makes the heart-wrenching choice to flee his war-torn country saying goodbye to
Laila the love of his life without knowing when they might be reunited again. He is one of
millions of refugees who leave their homes that year. Matthieu Aikins a journalist living in
Kabul decides to follow his friend. In order to do so he must leave his own passport and
identity behind to go underground on the refugee trail with Omar. Their odyssey across land and
sea from Afghanistan to Europe brings them face to face with the people at heart of the
migration crisis: smugglers cops activists and the men women and children fleeing war in
search of a better life. As setbacks and dangers mount for the two friends Matthieu is also
drawn into the escape plans of Omar's entire family including Maryam the matriarch who has
fought ferociously for her children's survival. Harrowing yet hopeful this exceptional work
brings into sharp focus one of the most contentious issues of our times. T he Naked Don't Fear
the Water is a tale of love and friendship across borders and an inquiry into our shared
journey in a divided world.
