Growing up in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, Kerim, a young Kurdish boy, witnesses the murderous repression that defined the era for thousands of Iraqis. We follow Kerim from the fading memories of his childhood to his life running his family’s restaurant. Captured by jihadists, he hesitates at first but then joins the terrorist group and grows fascinated with their charismatic leader. After a narrow escape and a dramatically difficult passage to Europe, Kerim, tormented by memories of his violent past, is unable to find his place in his new country. Turning yet again to his faith, he finds solace in the fundamentalist mosques of his new city. But he learns once again that he cannot escape his history and his doubts.

German original title

German

Sherko Fatah
Das dunkle Schiff

2008, Jung und Jung 2008
448 pages