Review of “A House Without Walls” by Elizabeth Laird

A House Without Walls by Elizabeth Laird is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that brings to light the human cost of war, particularly the refugee crisis in Syria. The story follows 13-year-old Safiya, whose family is forced to flee their comfortable home in Damascus as war ravages the country, reducing their middle-class life to survival in a makeshift tent in a refugee camp.

Laird skillfully captures the harrowing journey of displacement, loss, and the struggle to maintain dignity amidst uncertainty. Safiya’s character is authentic and relatable, embodying the confusion and strength of a young girl thrust into unimaginable circumstances. She is forced to confront not only the physical dangers of war but also the emotional turmoil that comes with losing her home, her country, and her sense of security.

What stands out most in the novel is how Laird balances the grim realities of Safiya’s situation with moments of hope, friendship, and resilience. Safiya’s relationship with her family—particularly her strong-willed grandmother and her sensitive younger brother—is a poignant exploration of how familial bonds are tested and deepened in times of crisis. Through these relationships, Laird shows how love and hope can survive even the most devastating circumstances.

Laird also does an excellent job portraying the diverse backgrounds and experiences of refugees. The novel offers a nuanced view of the complexities of the refugee experience, showing how not all refugees are the same and how different cultural, religious, and social dynamics shape their lives.

One of the strengths of the book is its accessibility for younger readers, as it presents the difficult themes of war and displacement in a way that is engaging but not overwhelming. Laird uses Safiya’s voice to create a narrative that is both informative and compassionate, making the novel a great tool for introducing young readers to global issues like the Syrian refugee crisis.

However, while the story is compelling and sensitively written, there are moments when the pacing feels uneven, with some plot points resolved too quickly. Some readers may also find that the secondary characters, while interesting, are not as fully developed as Safiya and her immediate family.

Overall, A House Without Walls is a powerful, timely novel that shines a light on the human side of the refugee crisis. Elizabeth Laird’s empathetic storytelling makes it a must-read for both young readers and adults who want to better understand the impact of war on families and children. The novel is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and solidarity in the face of tragedy.

A House Without Walls by Elizabeth Laird is most appropriate for middle-grade readers, typically ages 9 to 13. The novel’s content, including the themes of war, displacement, and the refugee crisis, is handled with sensitivity, making it accessible and understandable for this age group. It introduces complex issues in a way that is both educational and emotionally engaging without being too overwhelming for young readers.

That being said, the book can also resonate with older readers, including teens and adults, because of its rich narrative and important themes. But for those in the middle-grade range, it provides an age-appropriate introduction to global social issues while focusing on the personal story of the protagonist, Safiya.