The Crossing

The Crossing is a book of humanity. Both the interconnectedness of people, irrespective of race and nation, and of the plight of those born into circumstances far beyond those we can imagine. It is also a book of inhumanity. A world that see conflict, persecution, refugees forced to flee, facing brutality and hostility and danger towards their hope for a safe and better life.Written in short prose, it is a powerful narrative that bonces between two main voices, Natalie and Sammy. A story that is powerful, moving, heartbreaking and thought provoking.While aimed at the YA reader, it is a book we should all read and reflect upon.The plight of the refugee, a journey that we are fortunate not to experience, all through accident of birth.Beautifully written and highly recommended.

This is an astounding book …it’s hard to,put into the written word the impact on such a book as you just want to talk about it to somebody and get them to read this extraordinarily poetic prose. The tale of two teenagers battling against the extremes of life and tragedies that befall the young within the world .Natalie in Dover is dealing with grief and the rise of the right / fascism involving her brother - and finds refuge in sea swimming whilst Sammy is enduring the journey/ escape from Eritrea on the path to north west Europe and all of the tragedy and torture the travels will confrontThe two lives will cross.The poetic form of the book should not deter anybody from this powerful prose. This is a book that will stay with me long into the future.

This book is a quick read but tackles some really important issues - it will make you think about why people become refugees and why people are in Calais desperate to come to Britain, but also why people get caught up in far right anti-immigrant activity. It's a very moving book, cleverly told from two mirrored perspectives. It's billed as a young adult book, but it's certainly a good adult read too. It's not suitable for children as there are some very upsetting scenes in it.

This is an extraordinary novel written in verse, telling the story of two teenagers battling against the worst that life can throw at them. Natalie in Dover is struggling with the loss of her mum and her brother's descent into involvement with a far right group. Swimming is her only refuge. Sammy, escaping from Eritrea has a torturous journey to endure in his search for a new life in the UK. Manjeet Mann has done a great job of intertwining their stories and pulling the reader in. Prepare to be moved - this is a beautifully crafted and very clever book.

This is a great read. The layout is unusual but easy to get used to.The author has used clever techniques to link the characters.It is a very current subject handled sensitively.Beautifully written and highly recommended.

Although ultimately heart wrenching, this is a must read. Brilliantly written with compassion by the author, which expertly informs the reader of the reality of migration & how unfair the 'system' can be. Unusual format which perfectly matched the essence of the story.

One of the best books I have ever read. My 14 year old daughter doesn’t read very much. She read it cover to cover in one go. A story very well told in an innovative way with characters you can empathise with.

This book is excellent x I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way it was done and the storyline had me gripped from start to finish x at the end I had a good cry x