In 2006, when Gulwali Passarlay was 12-years-old, he left Afghanistan on a perilous journey, which included being taken by smugglers to a Greek island.
Gulwali Passarlay, as an apprentice tailor, 10, with his younger brother Nasir. He made the clothes he is wearing in this photo. (Lightless Sky/Harper Collins Canada) It was Passarlay's mother who helped get him out of the country, telling him not to return to Afghanistan, fearing he could become a Taliban suicide bomber. Then began Passarlay's year-long trek. Passarlay spent time in prisons, suffered hunger and cruelty, and nearly drowned in the Mediterranean, before going on to lead a remarkable new life in Britain.
My mother saved my life by sending me away, but she also lost me.- Gulwali Passarlay, author of
Gulwali Passarlay (center) with his brother Noor (left), uncle and cousin, 2002. (Lightless Sky/Harper Collins Canada) Passarlay spoke to the The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti in January.
Listen to the full conversation at the top of this post.
This segment was produced by The Current's Howard Goldenthal.
