Butterfly
Yusra Mardini’s autobiography, titled Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian – My Story of Rescue, Hope, and Triumph, details her extraordinary life journey. The book is written by Yusra Mardini with Josie Le Blond.
The book chronicles Mardini’s story, she used to just be a normal girl with big dreams of swimming in the Olympics but then her life in a war-torn Syria led to her perilous escape by sea to Europe, save her and other refugees’ lives. It also covers her long and difficult journey to Germany, her participation in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, and her work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
To be a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador means to be a prominent public figure who volunteers their time and influence to support the work of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Yusra became the youngest ever UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2017. In this role, she uses her personal story of survival and determination to advocate for refugee rights and inclusion.
A key scene is where she and her sister, Sara, had to jump into the Aegean Sea to save a sinking refugee boat. They were fleeing Syria by crossing the Aegean Sea to reach Germany in an overcrowded boat designed for far fewer people than were on board. The engine failed, and the boat began to take on water, threatening to capsize and drown everyone on board.
Recognizing the danger, Yusra and Sara, both skilled swimmers, bravely jumped into the cold, open water. Two other passengers who could swim also joined them in the sea. For three and a half grueling hours, they swam beside the boat. Using ropes, they guided and pulled it towards Lesbos, a Greek island. Yusra vividly remembers the physical touch of the saltwater stinging her eyes but emphasized the determination born from the thought of letting everyone drown. Their heroic efforts saved the lives of the 18 to 20 other passengers on board, including children as young as 6 months old.
This book represents a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome immense challenges. I really recommend this book if you enjoy nonfiction, memoirs, biographies, and sports.
Butterfly has gathered many positive reviews for its inspiring story and its ability to shed light on the challenges faced by refugees. It offers a personal and moving account of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of challenges.
Butterfly is a memoir and a story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. It’s not only about swimming or sports, and also about courage when the odds are against you, about risking everything for survival and your passion, and about finding hope in even the darkest situations. how powerful resilience and determination can be, and how one person’s story can shed light on what millions of refugees around the world have to go through.
Butterfly is one you simply can’t miss. It’s emotional, gripping, and full of moments that will make you reflect. If you’re seeking a powerful and moving story that intertwines a strong sports narrative with a real-life journey, Yusra Mardini’s Butterfly is a really good choice.
