53 pages • 1 hour read
Jessica GoudeauAfter the Last Border:Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In After the Last Border, Jessica Goudeau chronicles the challenging journeys of two refugees, Mu Naw from Myanmar and Hasna al-Salam from Syria, to the United States, while examining the impact of U.S. immigration policy shaped by the American public’s fluctuating perception of inclusivity versus exclusion. The book details their traumatic experiences and the subsequent difficulties faced, particularly under increasingly restrictive policies. This text includes depictions of political violence, racism, and war-related traumas.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jessica Goudeau's After the Last Border is lauded for its poignant exploration of refugee experiences, blending personal narratives with historical context. Praise focuses on Goudeau's empathetic storytelling and thorough research. Some critics note an occasional imbalance between the personal stories and broader policy discussions. Overall, it's a compelling, insightful read.
Who Should Read After the Last Border?
Readers who appreciate impactful narratives on immigration and refugee experiences, like in The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and What is the What by Dave Eggers, will find poignant and compelling storytelling in Jessica Goudeau’s After the Last Border. This book resonates with those interested in social justice and personal resilience.