A moving, confronting and ultimately uplifting story about a young girl’s escape, with her family, from war-torn South Sudan to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, and then to Australia.
In 1996, when Akuch Kuol Anyieth is five, her mother flees to Kakuma with her children, intent on finding safety and freedom for her family, while her husband stays behind in South Sudan to fight in the civil war. The family spends nine years in the camp, eking out an existence amidst famine, disease, unbearable heat, and chronic violence. Despite their suffering, Akuch never loses hope or her sense of humour. She’s a bright student who loves learning and does well at the local school.
In 2005, the family is finally granted a family humanitarian visa to Australia. They are on the way to paradise. But the reality of their new lives in Melbourne is complex. As Akuch’s brother’s behaviour spirals out of control, the family find themselves isolated and struggling with various forms of racism.
But Akuch is determined. She learns English from scratch, excels in her educational achievements, and tries to live the life of a regular teenager. Above all she does everything she can to help her family emerge from the bonds of violence.
Akuch Kuol Anyieth’s Unknown is a remarkable memoir. It’s a homage to the strength of her mother in protecting her family against all the odds, a story of sadness, anger, humour, determination, survival and love.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
You know that feeling when you are so absorbed in a book that you are just reading with your eyes popping out of your head, all other obligations are forgotten about until you can put the book down? I got this reading Unknown. There is so much media about refugees, it is amazing to read an actual first hand account of what it’s like to be born in a country at war, grow up in a refugee camp and then be settled in Australia and become a lightening rod for racism. Like a lot of migrants, Akuch is a high achiever, has done a lot, and has experienced a lot at her young age. She narrates her story with a straightforward, matter of fact tone that I think makes it even more devastating to read. “But the women and little girls who had been sexually assaulted wept quietly. Those silent tears held the loudest pain. Their tears were expressions of self-blame, regret, and the questioning of God’s promise to protect and have mercy on his people.” I think every Australian should read this to better understand what it is to be a refugee and then a new arrival in Australia. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
A simply written, detailed account of one family’s struggles to survive in the world they were thrust into by birth and not by choice. The subject matter is confronting, but informative and ultimately for some “the grass is not greener” on the other side. Thank you Akuch for sharing your story. Mandy, VIC, 5 Stars
Unknown is the gripping account of a young woman’s life as she flees war-torn South Sudan with her family as a little girl, endures the deplorable conditions of refugee camps in Sudan and Kenya for years and eventually her journey to and settlement into life in Australia. This story is utterly gripping. It was so riveting I couldn’t put it down and yet so heavy I had to put it down at times to wipe my eyes and grieve the brokenness this refugee experience had created. There were thrilling moments such as the brilliant plan she devises as a girl in Nairobi to pursue education as well as devastating moments her family and others face. I am so grateful to the author for sharing her story. For sharing the overwhelming trauma she endured living in Kakuma. For sharing aspects of South Sudanese culture. I’m grateful for the openness with which she shares the trauma and violence within her family life. For sharing her experience and that of many others of settlement in Australia. What a powerful story. Every Australian should read this book. Melissa, VIC, 5 Stars
What shocked me the most when reading this book was not so much the amount of horrors that Akuch Kuol Anyieth and her family have endured, but the tone and delivery in which she writes about them. In a fictional tale, even one of these events would be chapters long; here, each shocking experience of the utmost poverty, pain and despair are delivered with brevity that indicates the commonality of these occurrences in the refugee process. With every page of the book, I shed the naivety of privilege that growing up in Australia has unconsciously blanketed me with. Plentiful food, sufficient shelter, unlimited access to water, safety from violence, honest law enforcement, medical care – these are luxuries that many have never experienced. I was turning pages in hope of the Anyieth family finding not only an escape from the country but from the violence that was occurring within her own kinship group. Akuch recounts her life story in such an honest and direct way that you cannot help but be connected to her journey. Mikayla, QLD, 5 Stars
Wow! I loved Unknown by Akuch Kuol Anyieth. It was gripping, powerful and very insightful. It is not my normal reading material, and I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I could barely put it down and found myself thoroughly invested in Akuch and her family. Unknown is told from the perspective of five-year-old Akuch and follows her and her family’s story as they flee from war-torn South Sudan to a refugee camp in Kenya and eventually make it to Australia after many years. It welcomes us into the culture and experiences of devastatingly poor families from Sudan seeking refuge in Kenya and the harsh conditions they face. Battling disease, famine, violence, and unwavering heat, Akuch’s mother fights to keep her family alive and together hoping to forge a better future for them. It is essential reading for all Australians and helps to remind us of how rich and blessed we truly are. I recommend it to everyone aged 15 and over and I would love to see it on high school reading lists to give greater understanding to young Australians about many of their peers and the hardships they may have faced. Mary-Jo, VIC, 5 Stars
If you like autobiography’s then you will love Unknown by Akuch Kuol Anyieth. This is the story of Akuch life and living as a refuge before arriving in Australia. The story also continues after she arrives in Australia and adapting to her new life. An incredible story which tugs at your heart strings. What an aspiring lady she is. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
Unknown is an intimate glimpse into life experiences many of us can’t even imagine. While we see stories of refugees on the media or may even be aware of their background in our communities, rarely do we truly understand their story. This is heartbreaking yet inspirational and above eye opening. I am now passing this book onto my 18 year old in the hopes that she will grow from it as much as I did. Tess, TAS, 5 Stars
This book needs to be read by every Australian, particularly those that live in Melbourne with a high African refugee population. This will blow your pre-conceived ideas out of the water. Such an honest true to account biography of transitioning from South Sudan to completely different way of life is captured with words that describe every situation that Akuch experienced with honesty and integrity. Though some of it is hard to read, the book opens up a different perspective that you can experience through her book and help you to understand the difficulties that South Sudanese or any other refugee has in settling in a country that has values and traditions that are foreign to them. Hard work and determination, and her dedication to her family and community is commendable, and to rise from the ashes to her high standing in the community in such a short time is just incredible. Please read this book, it will help mend the bridges that keep us apart from refugees we do not understand and pre-judge before we even know them, and hopefully be more grateful for your own life and to work harder to make it better for all Australians. Linda, VIC, 5 Stars
Unknown is a powerful and raw memoir that gives insight into the life journey of Akuch Kuol Anyieth. Her heart and soul is displayed through the pages of her book and it will leave you questioning and reflecting on your own life experiences and interactions for the better. Highly recommend. Erena, VIC, 5 Stars
The theme in this book caused strong mixed emotions for me. It brings to light that violence is everywhere and tolerated in some countries more than others. Also that within certain cultures some people suffer more than others. Women especially, as well as the young and elderly, are more vulnerable to this type of treatment as a form of punishment. Akuch Kuol Anyieth has written in an informative way concerning the lifestyle she has led with her family and culture from where she was born. She has written about the injustice of many people’s lives from other countries after being re-settled into western countries. The characters are mostly family and extended family members. They all struggle with themselves trying to find strength and courage to survive under extreme conditions of poverty before being re-settled in Australia. The family bond is very strong amongst them, even through suffering violence from punishment. My reaction to this book is one of sadness for the victims of injustice. Also for those made to suffer injuries from violence. The author is a strong woman and an inspiration to others. Her fight for justice for those not able to help themselves, is admirable. Cherylene, QLD, 5 Stars
From poverty to complete happiness. A survivors story of courage, heartache and the ultimate journey to a place unknown to find joy. Beautifully written and such a pleasure to read and to feel the complete story with the writer. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars
This is an amazing book which gives an insight into the life and struggles of a family of refugees. It gives the reader the opportunity to walk in Akuch’s shoes, and learn about the adversities she has faced throughout her life. It is a story strength and courage, discrimination and adversity, determination and hope, and I could not put it down. It really made me think about how our society treats refugees and the hardships they face. A must read. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
Unknown tells Akuch’s story of life as a refugee escaping war torn South Sudan. It begins with her family’s arrival in Kakuma, a refugee camp in NorthWest Kenya when Akuch is just 5 years old. The first half of the memoir is about growing up in Kakuma – the poverty, the dangers (from both with her family and the broader community) and also the love and sacrifices. The second half of the book is about the refugee experience in Australia – the strangeness, uncertainty, and racism but also the opportunities and friendships. Having experienced so much, Akuch has embraced her opportunity for education and is now studying for her PhD while working in the justice and family and domestic violence fields. This was a well told and inspirational story. I’ve previously read Songs of a War Boy by Deng Thiak Adut, the memoir of a young South Sudanese boy who was kidnapped and conscripted into the People’s Liberation Army before seeking refuge in a Kenyan refugee camp and eventually settling in Australia. Unknown provided an interesting alternative perspective showing life from a young girl’s viewpoint. Both memoirs are highly recommended, especially for those interested in having a greater understanding of the refugee experience. Elizabeth, WA, 5 Stars
Akuch Kuol Anyieth’s ‘UNKNOWN’ what an apt. name for her story, like the Tamil family and Biloela if unheard we’d blissfully go about life totally unaware of the blight of those around us. Akuch’s story begins 1996 with her mother and two brothers fleeing the war in Sudan, to the safety??? Of a refugee camp in Kenya. If you can call- more violence, hunger, disease, rape makeshift shelter etc. safety. 2005 a humanitarian visa to Australia welcomed, but it meant moving to a new country, climate, learning a new language, customs. Melbourne was a chance for a new beginning, Akuch was an excellent student and would go on to graduate in legal studies, but also had to deal with racism, violence, her brothers caught in drinking street fights. Thankfully with the loving support determination of her mother life for the family is now more stable. Thank you Akuch for sharing the love and ugly sides of your life, a story that hopefully many will read and understand. Robert, QLD, 5 Stars
Unknown by Akuch Kuol Anyieth is a heart wrenching memoir of her family’s escape from war torn South Sudan, to years in a refugee camp in Kenya and finally settlement in Melbourne. In 1996, as a five-year-old, she flees to Kakuma Refugee Camp with her mother, sister and two brothers. Thanks to her mother’s resilience they manage to buy land and a cabin to live in. Without the financial help from an uncle and her sister in Canada, their lives would have been even more brutal. As her elder brother turns to violence, the family faces even more stress. After nine years in the camp the family is finally accepted as refugees in Australia but wait months in Nairobi for her baby niece’s visa. Finally in Melbourne things still aren’t easy. Her brother’s violence continues as they try to navigate through an alien culture. Akuch is determined to make good and studies hard. Despite the barriers facing her she manages to gain a Degree and Masters at university while working to help the family. This is a story of familial love, determination, bravery, domestic violence, the scars of war and anger. Akuch’s memoir is moving and memorable. Definitely worth reading. Michael, ACT, 5 Stars
This was such a confronting book, it tells the story of an extremely strong, intelligent and dedicated young woman who puts her family above any personal needs. The horrific violence that was a constant of this families life and how it was just seen as a normal part of Sudanese culture was hard to read but it is an important element when realising why refugees coming to Australia in the early 2000’s and onwards found that this and other cultural differences made it extremely difficult to acclimate to their new countries rules and laws. The systemic racism and discrimination that Akuch and her family found in their new country was heartbreaking to read about, but this is a book I would recommend that you read. It shows a very personal perspective of a young refugee girl and her journey to become a voice for her community. Joanne, TAS, 5 Stars
Beautiful written book just extraordinary what this young woman has been through, fleeing her home country with her mother and siblings to living in a camp for years then finally allowed to come to Australia. Aku h is a beautiful human being who has overcome such hardships to succeed in life. Deborah, NSW, 5 Stars
Unknown by Akuch Kuol Anyieth is a beautiful honest memoir written by a South Sudanese refugee. The story lays bare the horrors of war torn South Sudan , the desperation of Akuch’s mother to keep the family safe and many years waiting in a refugee camp for that elusive visa to bring them to a ‘safer’ life in Australia. The family spends nine years in a Kenyan refugee camp amid starvation, extreme heat, disease and extreme violence, externally and within her own family. Domestic violence was accepted way of life for her family and many South Sudanese and living in clans or tribes violence amongst them was an acceptable way to seek resolution. Coming to Australia didn’t bring them to the paradise they were seeking, racial prejudice was tangible, her brothers lives spiralled completely out of control whilst Akuch desperately tried to achieve academic excellence and move her family away from the violence that was an accept part of their culture. Her achievements are remarkable, a true inspiration to her community and Australia as a whole. I hope she continues to do amazing things through her life journey in Australia. Highly recommend this book! Ilona, VIC, 5 Stars
Akuch Kuol Anyieth’s story is one of resilience, bravery and perseverance. Akuch is born into a war situation in South Sudan and for the majority of her formative years, her home is Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Poverty, violence, hunger and terror are a part of daily life for families in Kakuma. Akuch’s is almost dispassionate in the recount of her family’s struggle to survive. The horror and hopelessness in Kakuma is starkly evident and the quest to escape and be accepted as a refugees in a new country is long and fraught with obstacles and barriers. This novel is a tribute to strong women, who hold the importance of family ties and connection close to their hearts. It gives insight into the refugee experience in Australia – despite the arrival in “paradise” Akuch’s family still faces many barriers. Prejudice, stereotypes and inflexibility in our systems make it difficult for families to successfully transition and be integrated into the fabric of our communities. This is a novel that should be read by lawmakers, community leaders, politicians and policy makers. It gives invaluable insight into the refugee experience and offers an opportunity for our society to provide an improved and empathetic, structured, support network for our newest citizens. Lyn, NSW, 4 Stars
Akuch’s memoir of life as a refugee of war torn South Sudan and her journey and new life in Australia, was hard to put down. A harrowing but incredibly interesting read, Unknown should be read by every white Australian. Jaana, TAS, 4 Stars
I thought I knew how hard refugees had it until I read Akuol’s story! At a young age, Akuol’s family moved from their homeland of South Sudan, looking for a better life, but having to endure many incredibly hard years in refugee camps before finally moving to Australia. And even then, it was not easy. Easy to read, but not an easy read. It is quite confronting to hear how situations are handled so differently in other cultures. I have no doubt there is soooooo much more to Akuol’s story that just wouldn’t fit it into one book. Absolutely worth a read, to broaden your thinking, if nothing else. Katrina, VIC, 4 Stars
This book gave me an insight into the generational trauma that follows those who have been exposed to war and displacement. Why is it that some people, when given the opportunity to leave that behind them can move on and be motivated to embrace opportunities while others can’t put the pieces of their broken lives together and spiral into mental illness and addictions? Lina, VIC, 4 Stars
Unknown by Akuch Kuol Anyieth is the authors own story of her life beginning with escaping war in South Sudan at the age of 5, then spending 9 years in a refugee camp in Kenya. In 2005, she comes to Melbourne, Australia with her mother and siblings. Her story covers the highs and lows of her life, the opportunities provided, and the diificulties of assimilating in a new country. Lack of understanding on both sides causes problems, which are not always solved satisfactorily. It is a confronting story, but gives an insight from the point of view of the refugee. Fay, VIC, 4 Stars
“When you grow up in mayhem, you have no choice but to be strong”. Unknown is a confronting and powerful memoir about a young girl’s escape, with her family, from war-torn South Sudan to a refugee camp, and then to Melbourne, Australia. I thought this book was an honest and at times brutal account of the refugee experience. Akuch our storyteller was likeable, but not so much her older brother Dragon. I cannot believe the family were so forgiving of his behaviour, and just kept paying to get him out of trouble. Akuch’s writing was easy to read, although the confronting violence also made it at times, hard to read. I enjoyed this memoir, and it gave me a better understanding of South Sudanese culture, gangs, and the meaning of their names, as well as the plight of refugees. I recommend this incredible memoir. Michelle, SA, 4 Stars
When faced with so much hardship, trials, devastation and still be able to tell your story is unbelievable. The description was upsetting, raw and honest but also provided a different perspective of what other people have endured. Well written, easy to follow and a true inspiration. Sharnee, QLD, 4 Stars
A confronting read, ‘Unknown’ by Akuch Kuol Anyieth sheds light on the devastation of civil war within a country and the hardships families seeking refuge endure. It explores just how difficult it is to experience trauma and then try to start a new life. Equal parts devastating and uplifting, it’s a story that all Australians should read. Jessica, QLD, 4 Stars
Well what an amazing insight into the life of a refugee where violence was a normal part of the everyday life. Then once they are settled in Australia the violence continues along with racism and a lack of understanding from the Australian people . One young girl grows into a strong educated woman overcoming all of the challenges she faces on a daily basis. Every Australian should read this powerful story about real people who just want to live free and peacefully in their new country. Sally, VIC, 4 Stars
I am amazed at Akuch’s resilience and determination to do better for herself and her family inspite all the hurdles and challenges that she had to endure. She makes a good point about the systemic violence in her culture due to hurt, anger, poverty, displacement and discrimination. But she doesn’t excuse it and wants to understand how this can be stopped and for healing from the trauma to begin. Her life story from a child in a refugee camp in Kenya to studying for her 2nd post graduate qualification is one that should inspire, motivate and help us all look to having more of emphatic view towards refugees. Cath, ACT, 4 Stars
Unknown gives a candid and raw insight into Akuch’s refugee experience as a member of her South Sudanese family relocating to Australia. It is very well written and inspiring book that outlines the hardships and difficulties she and her family faced. A great read. Gai, NSW, 4 Stars
In Unknown’s case, the author was able to embed her story with raw emotion thanks to the undemanding writing style she employed. By limiting to describing how things happened according to her in the most uncomplicated way possible, the author was able to deliver her life story with significant impact. I celebrate the author’s courage and the work behind sharing her story with the world, creating awareness about what has been happening and is still happening in Australia and other countries that might feel sadly too remote. Overall, Unknown is a crucial memoir that explores the refuge experience. Full of insights and first-hand stories, it is essential to understand the world we live in, the importance of family, and the consequences of hunger and violence. Camila, NSW, 3 Stars
Unknown was an insightful and challenging book to read. Reading about the experience of being a refugee in camps was so heartbreaking. Brea, NSW, 3 Stars
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