In April, Betty McGeever joined us as a panellist at Limbo: A Conversation on Seeking Asylum in WA, where she spoke with warmth and clarity about the difference each of us can make, through conversation, advocacy, volunteering, and simply showing up in solidarity.
Betty is a retired public librarian whose commitment to refugees has spanned decades, operating as an individual advocate, a community organiser, and a driving force behind some of Western Australia's most dedicated grassroots networks. Her work has ranged from supporting individuals navigating the asylum system here in WA, to playing a role in resettling people previously held in Nauru to freedom in Canada through the Canadian Community Resettlement Scheme. Betty has generously shared her personal must-read and must-watch lists for anyone wanting to better understand what people seeking asylum have experienced. All books are available at your local library.
📚BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY BETTY
No Friend but the Mountains – Behrouz Boochani (2018)
Writing from Manus Prison, No Friend by the Mountains is an autobiographical account of Behrouz Boochani's perilous journey to Christmas Island and his subsequent incarceration in an Australian government immigration detention facility on Manus Island.
Escape from Manus – Jaivet Ealom (2021)
An autobiographical memoir by Rohingya refugee Jaivet Ealom documenting his escape from the genocide in Myanmar, his journey to Indonesia, his arrest upon arrival in Australia, and detention in the Australian offshore detention centres on Manus Island.
The People Smuggler – Robin de Crespigny (2017)
The gripping, inspiring story of Ali Al Jenabi’s escape from Saddam Hussein's torture chambers and incredible international odyssey through the shadowy world of fake passports, crowded camps and illegal border crossings.
After the Tampa – Abbas Nazari (2021)
The heart-rending story of a child Tampa refugee who grew up to become a Fulbright scholar. Abbas tells his amazing story, from living under Taliban rule to spending a terrifying month at sea, and then building a new life at the bottom of the world.
The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif – Najaf Mazari (2008)
As a member of the Hazara tribe, Najaf was forced to flee the brutal attacks on his people when the Northern Alliance fell to the advancing Taliban insurgents. From Pakistan, to Indonesia, then by boat to Australia, ends with incarceration in Woomera, where the story begins.
Still Alive (Graphic Novel) – Safdar Ahmed (2021)
Drawing from Safdar Ahmed's experiences as a volunteer in Sydney's Villawood detention centre, this work of graphic journalism highlights Australia’s policies towards refugees, containing testimonies of refugees and workers in a system that is often decried by human rights organisations for its cruelty.
Consider suggesting one of these to your book club for a great read and lively discussion!