boy overboard

“‘Overboard,’ says Yusuf’s grandfather, ‘is an English word meaning to do something that is bold, wild, dangerous and crazy.’” Jamal’s decision to ‘go overboard’ stems from his experiences growing up in a war-torn land. He wants to change the world, his world anyway, and he has a grand plan. His passion for soccer will be the means to turn around his government, his country, and life for his family. But Jamal is about to embark upon an adventure more ‘bold, wild, dangerous and crazy’ than he could ever imagine. In reality, it is far from an ‘adventure’. A young boy facing the unknown and dealing with incredible adversity does give the story an edge of excitement and suspense as a true adventure would. But for Jamal and his family who are thrust into a terrible situation, there is no such thing as real choice. In terms of power and control, they have none – over the battered vessels that take them to sea nor the cruel smugglers who treat them appallingly. They risk everything and have given up everything – for what? There’s no guarantee of safe delivery. No knowledge of their fate. Just a hope that an unknown country – Australia – will be a haven.
Separated from their parents at the docks, Jamal and Bibi do not even know if they will see their Mum and Dad again – a haunting nightmare as they try to cope with the hazards and traumas of life on a refugee boat. What they do have control over is attitude and spirit. Jamal’s narration of the tale highlights his incredible strength – be it drawn from his knowledge of his ancestors or his belief in the ‘secret of soccer’ – ‘Never give up, even when things are looking hopeless’. Optimism, perseverance, courage and tenacity are the tools of survival for Jamal, his feisty younger sister Bibi and the friends they make on their journey, Rashida and Omar. These things, together with a rich fantasy life focussed on soccer and how great Australia is going to be, sustain Jamal through horrendous and heart-breaking experiences.