Based on the true story,  Enaiatollah, a young Afghan boy  is left by his mother in Pakistan (in the hope that he would escape Taliban persecution)  then undertakes a gruelling, but inspiring journey into asylum in the West.

Enaiatollah is largely dependent on human traffickers. As an illegal immigrant in the countries he travels through – Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece and Italy – he is forced to endure the worst that humanity has to offer.   He faces starvation, slave labour and other cruelties. Enaiatollah also endures physical hardship as he and fellow refugees cross the mountains between Iran and Turkey on foot.

Although the crocodiles of the title are metaphorical, the human drive to survive in spite of ‘them’ makes this a compelling tale. A recommended title for any secondary teacher looking at the plight of refugees in recent times.

review by Linda

image by Percita