refugee study notes

Waning

(1) When the moon has a progressively smaller part illuminated, appearing to shrink; (2) Decreasing in vigor, power, or extent; becoming weaker.

Perversion

An alteration from something’s original course or meaning that results in distortion or corruption.

Fraught

(1) Filled with or likely to result in something undesirable; (2) Causing or affected by anxiety or stress.

Squalid

Extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially due to poverty or neglect.

Bridge

The place on a ship where the vessel is steered.

Dubious

Causing doubt, uncertainty, or suspicion; likely to be bad or wrong.

Josef – Summary

Life on the St. Louis is pleasant and passengers are treated kindly. The social hall becomes a synagogue for his bar mitzvah. The captain removes the Hitler portrait, angering Schiendick. Josef overhears crew discussing racing to Cuba and possible rejection. On a ship tour, Schiendick insults the children.

Isabel – Summary

Isabel’s and Iván’s families carry their homemade boat to the water. Police rush them and a bullet makes a hole, which they plug with a sock. They sail on, joke around, and Isabel says she sold her trumpet. The motor stops and water leaks in as a huge tanker approaches.

Mahmoud – Summary

Mahmoud’s family drives toward Turkey but soldiers stop them; Waleed’s response saves them. Gunfire later hits their car, causing a crash. They flee on foot, reach the Turkish border, then travel to Izmir. With no place to stay, Mahmoud pays a Syrian boy to lead them to an abandoned mall used by refugees.

Shared Trait – Josef, Isabel, Mahmoud

All three kids are dependable—they take responsibility, help their families, and stay strong in dangerous situations.