Hope Not Fear
Finding My Way from Refugee to Filmmaker to NHS Hospital Cleaner and Activist
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Hope Not Fear
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Narrated by:
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Hassan Akkad
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By:
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Hassan Akkad
About this listen
A poignant and powerful memoir from BAFTA award-winning filmmaker, Syrian refugee, hospital cleaner and activist, Hassan Akkad.
I’ve experienced the best and worst of humanity. I’ve been detained and beaten, and welcomed and respected. And yet, this story–my story–is one of hope, not fear.
From the jasmine-scented streets of Damascus to uprisings, protest and being forced to flee his home, Hassan Akkad has experienced unbearable losses. Yet, he still holds on to hope and chooses to see the kindness in humanity every day.
Since seeking asylum in the UK, Hassan’s unshakeable instinct to raise awareness, help and connect, has seen him share not only his experience as a refugee, but to the coronavirus pandemic. Hassan documented his work as a cleaner on a London hospital Covid-19 ward. His photographs and advocacy shone a spotlight on the often overlooked NHS cleaners and porters and instigated a U-turn on a government bill that had excluded their families from the bereavement compensation scheme.
Hassan has captured hearts the world over. He bridges national and political divides, his humanity, sense of service and ideals bring people together. Hope Not Fear is a campaigning message of triumphing over adversity, standing together and uniting in kindness and love. In this book, Hassan shows us why this is the single most important message of our time.
©2021 Hassan Akkad (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International LtdListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Hassan Akkad is a remarkable soul with a remarkable story. He not only leads us through his own physical and emotional odyssey, but teaches us about our own society." (Lindsey Hilsum, international editor, Channel 4 News)
What listeners say about Hope Not Fear
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jim Kelly
- 01-09-22
A visceral and harrowing but uplifting listen.
This is a very well well written book that gives a very full account of the life of refugee fleeing from a viscous totalitarian state. I found it to be very harrowing to listen to at times but it was uplifting to hear about all kindness the author encountered.
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- amanda eastwood
- 16-09-21
Heart breaking, with hope not fear
Your story Hassan is out standing, I can’t believe how brave you are, I have cried loads listening to this book.
I’m so glad you have come to Britain, and that you are safe! If only the world would love each other instead of being greedy for money and power.
There is only one thing you said, which, I didn’t like! You said the British should be lucky to have people from other countries, and that you work for minimum wage and do the mundane jobs. Please don’t underestimate the British people, now we are out of brexit, our country and the British people ( English) will pull together to make England successfully!
We are resilient and tough, when we need to be.
Please don’t forget this country was white British!!
Although we are not a racist people, we have had no choice in the fact that our country is now multi racial.
You are a blessing to us and I personally welcome you with loving open arms.
I am so glad you wrote this book, because it has given me a truthful account of, why you need to come here, to escape a terror and torture. We also do mundane jobs, I worked as a HCA for 16 years in the NHS. I also clean for a living, not all of us are sitting on our lazy bottoms. God bless you Hassan
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 21-09-22
Thank you, Hassan
Hassan tells his story so beautifully and sincerely, I think it should be taught in the curriculum in schools across the U.K. maybe that way, children who are born to racist families will develop their own opinions and challenge those of their parents until hate is wiped out. I’ll be urging everyone I know to read it, and it has inspired me to do more than just ‘empathise,’ but rather seek out ways I can take action and help people more.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Charlotte
- 14-09-21
A MUST READ -5 Stars
An incredible, transparent, open journey, showing vulnerability, naivety, even self destruction, but leading to courage, tenacity and motivation. A true story which describes the inner battle we all have to understand others, but more importantly to understand ourselves. Growth comes not by the outcome, but by the journey we take to get there.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Paul
- 08-11-21
A story that should not have to be told.
At times Hassan’s story reduced me to tears, yet his determination, attitude and positive outlook was incredible when many would have given up Hassan would cling on to life and determination.
Thank you for writing this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs Lena Sabbagh
- 29-11-21
Should be compulsory reading
Shattering but ultimately (somewhat) hopeful memoir. Beautifully read by the author. Difficult to listen to in places. A must read for anyone who wants to learn about the impact of the Syrian war on ordinary people. Also essential testimony to the truth of what it takes to seek and find asylum in Europe and the UK. Furthermore Hassan's willingness to confront injustice and speak truth to power, even when the consequences may be serious for him, is inspiring.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- S Pascall
- 20-10-21
Enlightening and Empowering
An eye opening book that has shed so much light on refugees and their untold stories. I have been informed and humbled by the compelling and heart pounding journey of Hassan Akkad. This book needs to go far and wide to inform people around the world and dispel negative connotations about refugees.
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- Sigrin
- 13-07-22
World is brighter with this soul
Thank you for sharing your journey Hassan.
Truly remarkable soul who has seen hope , love and all that is truly wonderful in the world.
May be we all need to listen to Hassan who has so much to share.
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- Pepperpurple
- 28-04-22
Truly a testament to the power of hope.
Thank you Hassan for sharing your journey. I'm glad you chose & made it to England. You truly are a beautiful wordsmith.
I'm minded of all the souls lost trying to make it to safety, all the gifts they took with them, what a tragic waste. We are one humanity, all as valuable & precious as each other.
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- miss s.
- 03-10-21
Everyone needs to hear this story.
Important and brave, Hassan’s story is so inspiring and is beautifully and courageously told. I’ve never heard an audiobook like it. Thank you for all you have done Hassan and continue to do. So much kindness and hope in this book despite the inhumanity suffered.
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