The people smuggler : the true story of Ali Al Jenabi, the 'Oskar Schindler of Asia'

At once a non-fiction thriller and a moral maze, this is one man's epic story of trying to find a safe place in the world. When Ali Al Jenabi flees Saddam Hussein's torture chambers, he is forced to leave his family behind in Iraq. What follows is an incredible international odyssey through the shadow world of fake passports, crowded camps and illegal border crossings, living every day with excruciating uncertainty about what the next will bring. Through betrayal, triumph, misfortune – even romance and heartbreak – Ali is sustained by his fierce love of freedom and family. Continually pushed to the limits of his endurance, eventually he must confront what he has been forced to become. With enormous power and insight, The People Smuggler tells a story of daily heroism, bringing to life the forces that drive so many people to put their lives in unscrupulous hands. It is an utterly gripping portrait of a man cut loose from the protections of civilisation, attempting to retain his dignity and humanity while taking whatever path he can out of an impossible position. 'This is a story that had to be told.' The Weekend Australian 'An engrossing account of a man seen by some as a saviour and others as a criminal. A significant book.' Thomas Keneally 'Gripping.' The Age 'Tight, powerful and extraordinarily well written ... a book which glories in the strength, courage and compassion of the human spirit.' The Drum 'Just mindblowing ... a moving saga of endurance and bravery.' The Australian Way (Qantas Magazine) 'A totally riveting story about a brave and honourable man. Passionate, vivid and true, it bounces off the page.' Rosie Scott After his father, brother and he were incarcerated and tortured in Saddam's Abu Ghraib, Ali al Jenabi escaped from Iraq first to work with the anti-Saddam resistance in Iran and then to help his family out of the country all together. When Saddam's forces advance towards their refugee camp, Ali helps his family flee into Iran before going on in an attempt to get to Australia - a country they know nothing about but understand to be safe, free and compassionate. When Ali reaches Indonesia he is betrayed by a people smuggler - a common experience - which prompts him to establish his own business that will treat fellow refugees more fairly. This is the engrossing story of how he survived his years without a passport or a state, how the people smuggling business functions, and how Ali was treated when he and his family finally arrived in Australia. It will open a country's eyes to what refugees are fleeing from, and what makes them risk their lives and the lives of their families in seeking safety.