Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini is lauded for its poignant, lyrical prose and compelling illustrations, effectively capturing the refugee experience. Critics praise its emotional depth and artistic beauty. However, some find its brevity limits narrative development, reducing its impact. Overall, it is a moving, visually stunning work that resonates profoundly with readers.

A reader who would enjoy Khaled Hosseini's Sea Prayer is likely deeply moved by poignant stories of human resilience and migration. Fans of Hosseini's own The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, as well as those who appreciated The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, will find this illustrated novella profoundly moving and heart-wrenching.

Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant, graphic letter from an unnamed father to his son, Marwan, as they flee war-torn Syria. Through vivid storytelling and watercolor illustrations, the father recalls his memories of Homs, now destroyed, and prays for Marwan's safety during their perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting on their past and uncertain future. The story deals with death, war, war crimes, and the refugee crisis.

Emotional / Melancholic / Contemplative / Inspirational / Bittersweet

- Sea Prayer is inspired by the tragic story of Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian boy who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea in 2015, trying to reach Europe with his family.
- Khaled Hosseini's Sea Prayer is his first illustrated book, with watercolor illustrations by London-based artist Dan Williams, which complement the narrative's poignant themes.
- The book was crafted as a response to real-world humanitarian issues and was published on the eve of the third anniversary of Alan Kurdi's death, highlighting the ongoing refugee crisis.

**Marwan**  
The only named character, Marwan is a young boy portrayed through his father's letter; his life and experiences are central to the narrative.

**Narrator / Marwan’s Father**  
An unnamed father writing a reflective letter to his son Marwan, sharing memories and emotions as they prepare to flee their home.

Khaled Hosseini

Adult

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Fiction

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