Papers by Violaine Schwartz
** This link is for U.S. orders only. If you’re located elsewhere, please write us through our contact page. Thanks!Violaine Schwartz’s Papers is a harrowing and enlightening portrayal of the modern refugee experience. Gathered here are the voices of asylum seekers from around the world who have risked their lives to make it to France and begun the often bewildering process of securing the right to stay. Related without melodrama or self-pity, their stories reflect the absurdity of bureaucracy, the agony of waiting, and the courageousness of leaving everything for an uncertain future. They are a testament to the brutality of war and corruption, an interrogation of the responsibility of citizens and nations, and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. A fearless, candid, compassionate book for our troubled global times.
Early praise for Papers
“Stunning—a masterful work of poetry and storytelling and a much-needed addition to the literature of displacement. Papers turned my most familiar narrative into breathtaking new art. I was utterly absorbed by the beauty and truth in these pages.” — Dina Nayeri, author of The Ungrateful Refugee
”I can hardly imagine a book more urgent and riveting, that speaks more to where we are today and to where we’re headed, than this devastating collage of voices from France’s refugees. It’s also wildly creative, a project born of passion and love. Absolutely crucial reading.” — Deb Olin Unferth, author of Barn 8
”Papers, one of the most extraordinary books I’ve ever read, is both a literary feat and an example of profound empathy. In their own words, we hear from the individuals whose stories are too often lost behind the vicious and inane labyrinth of the bureaucracies charged with handling “immigration policy.” We are introduced to a kaleidoscope of peoples and experiences, their stories building up and out to reveal a broader landscape of pain, disappointment, humor, and kindness, ultimately portraying the grave realities of this system as well as the victories that are possible if, and only if, we refuse to accept institutional and governmental indifference and bigotry.” — Nafkote Tamirat, author of The Parking Lot Attendant
** This link is for U.S. orders only. If you’re located elsewhere, please write us through our contact page. Thanks!Violaine Schwartz’s Papers is a harrowing and enlightening portrayal of the modern refugee experience. Gathered here are the voices of asylum seekers from around the world who have risked their lives to make it to France and begun the often bewildering process of securing the right to stay. Related without melodrama or self-pity, their stories reflect the absurdity of bureaucracy, the agony of waiting, and the courageousness of leaving everything for an uncertain future. They are a testament to the brutality of war and corruption, an interrogation of the responsibility of citizens and nations, and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. A fearless, candid, compassionate book for our troubled global times.
Early praise for Papers
“Stunning—a masterful work of poetry and storytelling and a much-needed addition to the literature of displacement. Papers turned my most familiar narrative into breathtaking new art. I was utterly absorbed by the beauty and truth in these pages.” — Dina Nayeri, author of The Ungrateful Refugee
”I can hardly imagine a book more urgent and riveting, that speaks more to where we are today and to where we’re headed, than this devastating collage of voices from France’s refugees. It’s also wildly creative, a project born of passion and love. Absolutely crucial reading.” — Deb Olin Unferth, author of Barn 8
”Papers, one of the most extraordinary books I’ve ever read, is both a literary feat and an example of profound empathy. In their own words, we hear from the individuals whose stories are too often lost behind the vicious and inane labyrinth of the bureaucracies charged with handling “immigration policy.” We are introduced to a kaleidoscope of peoples and experiences, their stories building up and out to reveal a broader landscape of pain, disappointment, humor, and kindness, ultimately portraying the grave realities of this system as well as the victories that are possible if, and only if, we refuse to accept institutional and governmental indifference and bigotry.” — Nafkote Tamirat, author of The Parking Lot Attendant
** This link is for U.S. orders only. If you’re located elsewhere, please write us through our contact page. Thanks!Violaine Schwartz’s Papers is a harrowing and enlightening portrayal of the modern refugee experience. Gathered here are the voices of asylum seekers from around the world who have risked their lives to make it to France and begun the often bewildering process of securing the right to stay. Related without melodrama or self-pity, their stories reflect the absurdity of bureaucracy, the agony of waiting, and the courageousness of leaving everything for an uncertain future. They are a testament to the brutality of war and corruption, an interrogation of the responsibility of citizens and nations, and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. A fearless, candid, compassionate book for our troubled global times.
Early praise for Papers
“Stunning—a masterful work of poetry and storytelling and a much-needed addition to the literature of displacement. Papers turned my most familiar narrative into breathtaking new art. I was utterly absorbed by the beauty and truth in these pages.” — Dina Nayeri, author of The Ungrateful Refugee
”I can hardly imagine a book more urgent and riveting, that speaks more to where we are today and to where we’re headed, than this devastating collage of voices from France’s refugees. It’s also wildly creative, a project born of passion and love. Absolutely crucial reading.” — Deb Olin Unferth, author of Barn 8
”Papers, one of the most extraordinary books I’ve ever read, is both a literary feat and an example of profound empathy. In their own words, we hear from the individuals whose stories are too often lost behind the vicious and inane labyrinth of the bureaucracies charged with handling “immigration policy.” We are introduced to a kaleidoscope of peoples and experiences, their stories building up and out to reveal a broader landscape of pain, disappointment, humor, and kindness, ultimately portraying the grave realities of this system as well as the victories that are possible if, and only if, we refuse to accept institutional and governmental indifference and bigotry.” — Nafkote Tamirat, author of The Parking Lot Attendant