Refuge by Jackie French

JUDGES' COMMENTS 

With boat people, immigration and refugees high on the political agenda this is a timely story for Australian children. Ours is a country populated by boat people some of whose stories are told in Jackie French’s visionary writing. With its themes of migration, understanding and belonging, Refuge is firmly based in Australian history. The young refugees arrive in a strange place called Refuge, having experienced disaster on their way to Australia, and in it find a safe haven. The plot is almost provocative in its premise and this is a time-slip story without equal. Coming from different places, different times and different circumstances, the children play the same game together on the beach every day. At night they climb over the sand hill to their individual, childlike dreams of an Australian home. Refuge is a place where time stands still and children remain children, locked in their dreams.

French’s powerful story of children escaping war, famine, discrimination and political oppression, makes compelling reading. Her characters are sensitively portrayed. French skilfully builds tension among the older ones as the question of leaving arises more often. It also hovers at the back of the reader’s mind. We are caught up in the suspense of her wonderful description of Nafeesa’s rescue amidst the violent storm and roiling sea. This event inadvertently triggers the need for everyone finally to face their fears and leave Refuge. In one last incredible feat of togetherness, they all help hold the now weakened ‘doorway’ together so they can all leave before it is too late. The story continues two years later and the surprise ending is particularly satisfying.