Overview

Assembled from testimonials and interviews with current and former asylum seekers in France, as well as hearing records, administrative letters, and newspaper articles, Papers is a quietly monumental work of both literary and documentary art, a harrowing and enlightening portrayal of the modern refugee experience. Gathered here are the voices of men and women from around the world, united by the urgent need to leave their native country, risk their lives to make it to Europe, and begin the often bewildering process of securing the papers that will affirm their right to stay. Related without melodrama or self-pity, these are stories about the absurdity of bureaucracy, the agony of waiting, the pain of leaving everything behind and the courage to do so anyway. They are a testament to the brutal indignities of war and corruption and exile, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of it all. A fearless, candid, compassionate book for our troubled global times.

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9781735297330

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Reviews

"Stunning--a masterful work of poetry and storytelling and a much-needed addition to the literature of displacement. Papers turned my most familiar narrative into breathtaking new art. I was utterly absorbed by the beauty and truth in these pages. -- Dina Nayeri, author of The Ungrateful Refugee I can hardly imagine a book more urgent and riveting, that speaks more to where we are today and to where we're headed, than this devastating collage of voices from France's refugees. It's also wildly creative, a project born of passion and love. Absolutely crucial reading. -- Deb Olin Unferth, author of Barn 8 Papers, one of the most extraordinary books I've ever read, is both a literary feat and an example of profound empathy. In their own words, we hear from the individuals whose stories are too often lost behind the vicious and inane labyrinth of the bureaucracies charged with handling ""immigration policy."" We are introduced to a kaleidoscope of peoples and experiences, their stories building up and out to reveal a broader landscape of pain, disappointment, humor, and kindness, ultimately portraying the grave realities of this system as well as the victories that are possible if, and only if, we refuse to accept institutional and governmental indifference and bigotry. -- Nafkote Tamirat, author of The Parking Lot Attendant"

Stunning--a masterful work of poetry and storytelling and a much-needed addition to the literature of displacement. Papers turned my most familiar narrative into breathtaking new art. I was utterly absorbed by the beauty and truth in these pages. -- Dina Nayeri, author of The Ungrateful Refugee I can hardly imagine a book more urgent and riveting, that speaks more to where we are today and to where we're headed, than this devastating collage of voices from France's refugees. It's also wildly creative, a project born of passion and love. Absolutely crucial reading. -- Deb Olin Unferth, author of Barn 8 Papers, one of the most extraordinary books I've ever read, is both a literary feat and an example of profound empathy. In their own words, we hear from the individuals whose stories are too often lost behind the vicious and inane labyrinth of the bureaucracies charged with handling immigration policy. We are introduced to a kaleidoscope of peoples and experiences, their stories building up and out to reveal a broader landscape of pain, disappointment, humor, and kindness, ultimately portraying the grave realities of this system as well as the victories that are possible if, and only if, we refuse to accept institutional and governmental indifference and bigotry. -- Nafkote Tamirat, author of The Parking Lot Attendant

Author Information

Violaine Schwartz is a French novelist, playwright, singer and stage actor. Her novel Le Vent dans la bouche (Éditions P.O.L) was awarded the 2013 Prix Eugène Dabit du Roman Populiste. In addition to writing and performing, she leads writing workshops in a variety of settings. Christine Gutman is a Paris-based translator. She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Papers is her first published literary translation.

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