Penguin Book of Migration Literature

Dohra Ahmad is professor of English at St. John's University, New York City. She is the author of Landscapes of Hope: Anti-Colonial Utopianism in America and co-author of Vernaculars in the Classroom: Paradoxes, Pedagogy, Possibilities. Edwidge Danitcat is the author of several books, including The Farming of Bones, The Dew Breaker and Create Dangerously. She is a National Book Award finalist.

“Well-curated collection… The breadth of Ahmad's selections is impressive… This is a first-rate starting point for exploring migration literature and is almost certain to be taught in schools in the near future. Don't miss the ‘Suggestions for Further Reading and Viewing’ at the back of the text, which is also excellently curated…A welcome, pocket-sized introduction to migration literature.”—Kirkus“The diversity of viewpoints and genres makes for an invaluable introduction to the personal dimensions of global immigration.”—Booklist  “Migrant voices echo with wit, nostalgia and at times startling poignancy in The Penguin Book of Migration Literature … [Ahmad’s] introduction reads with a prophet’s passion and an academic’s sense of order…. The affecting power of The Penguin Book of Migration Literature … is in its intimacies and observations…”—Los Angeles Times“Editor Dohra Ahmad has curated a challenging and insightful collection that attempts to reveal the myriad ways of experiencing human movement—forced migration and exile are only a part of this story, albeit an important one (…) By presenting history as human stories, it acts as a gateway to empathy and understanding. The collection succeeds where politicians, international organizations, and even journalists sometimes fail because it reminds us of our common humanity. This thoughtful and provoking anthology from Penguin deserves its spot as the new cornerstone text for anyone interested in migration—indeed, the human condition—today.”—Words Without Borders, selected as a Favorite International Read from 2019