Thank you, Review editors, for two reminders of the power of individual stories to connect people – Khaled Hosseini’s shattering account of the ongoing tragedy of thousands of refugees and migrants, towards whose plight many of us have become inured (Lost at sea, 18 August); and Jeanne Marie Laskas’s feature on Barack Obama’s sustaining determination that those in power should listen (Dear Mr President). “Everybody’s got a sacred story,” in Obama’s words.
I have worked in communications for the non-profit sector for more than 20 years, and have been privileged to see the impact a real story can have: an abused teenager is forced to live on the streets, a father of four is killed in an earthquake, a widow is alone.
Stories can move people to help others. As Hosseini puts it: “Each story I hear helps me feel, bone-deep, my immutable connection to its teller as a fellow human.”
Hosseini’s exquisitely written call to action and Obama’s gentle testimony of how trust is formed between people both show that stories can make a difference – a spark of hope in these times.
Sarah Gleadall
Tavistock, Devon
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