Richly researched and deeply empathetic, I really enjoyed this. It’s clear that Kelly put a lot of time and effort into this and I really appreciate the tone given to discuss such serious issues. This is a book that should be discussed and read by everyone in a decision making position in the government, such an important piece of work.

Thank you to Nicola Kelly, Elliott & Thompson, and NetGalley for the ARC of Anywhere But Here.

In this powerful book, Nicola Kelly draws on her experience as a former Home Office employee and journalist to examine the humanitarian crisis caused by the UK’s broken asylum system. She compellingly illustrates how the hostile narrative surrounding asylum seekers serves those in power and obscures the truth.

Kelly brings recent events to life through the voices of those directly involved, from frontline workers and officials to people who have risked everything to make the journey themselves.

Anywhere But Here is equal parts remarkable, eye-opening, and heartbreaking. It’s an essential read.

While reading, I found myself overhearing conversations filled with misinformation about the asylum process, and I recommended this book to everyone I could. I’m genuinely considering carrying extra copies to hand out. I learned so much from this book, and I can’t help but feel frustrated that the people who most need to read it likely never will.

I also have deep respect for Nicola Kelly’s exploration of the UK’s approach to asylum seekers, the rise of racism, and the growing influence of the Reform Party. I’ll admit, I’ve often been quick to shut down conversations by calling out racism directly which, while sometimes necessary, can also close off the chance for meaningful dialogue. Anywhere But Here has given me the tools to engage with these topics more thoughtfully. It’s helped me approach people’s concerns with greater empathy, while grounding my responses in facts and compassion. This shift feels like a powerful step toward changing minds, not just calling out wrongs.

Anywhere But Here is a searing, eye-opening exposé that lays bare the failures of Britain’s asylum system. Through firsthand accounts and unparalleled access, Nicola Kelly reveals the human cost of a broken system—one that leaves vulnerable people in limbo, often at the mercy of bureaucratic neglect and cruelty. A powerful, heartbreaking look at the people caught in the crossfire of political agendas, and a call to confront an injustice that affects us all.

Thank you to Nicola Kelly, Elliott & Thompson, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

An incredibly important and informative read on the issues surrounding migrants and refugees in the UK, especially those that have arrived via ‘small boat’. Heartbreaking and eye opening.

I'm submitting this review before I've completely finished the book because it's taking me a little longer or get through than I'd hoped - not because it's poorly written or not engaging, but because it is so well written and emotive that I'm really pacing myself through it...rereading and making sure I fully understand issues which I'm ashamed to say I was naive or ignorant to before.

This is an important book - it's one that everyone should read, one that should be shared and debated and shared again over, and over.

*edit, I've now finished the book. It was well written, as unbiased as possible to be when talking about atrocious treatment of humans and is one I will be urging others to read.

*The title: “Anywhere but Here” is taken from graffiti in the refugee camps in Dunkirk

Nicola Kelly who formerly worked for the Press Office of the Home Office, which is institutionally racist, was afraid of becoming disillusioned of the idea of immigration. She left her job in Marsham Street for investigative journalism, working with NGOs and assisting asylum seekers fight persecution and prosecution in the hope to extend their stay in the UK.

Kelly is not a solicitor or an immigration lawyer, nor doesn’t claim to be an expert. (especially with how quickly the legal framework has changed over the past few years) Her hope in this book is to talk about the people and not the politics, or rather the reality behind the rhetoric. From the small boats, to drones in the channel, Rwanda and the racism, corruption and human rights violations within the detention centres.
You don’t have to be a guardian reading, tofu eating wokerati to appreciate this book and to educate yourself on the immigration crisis and to tune out the far-right.

Anywhere But Here came out this week - Apr 3rd. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for this early release copy.

A read for knowing more, knowing better.
The most detailed telling of what we have mostly seen only the surface level of.
A touching expose of the broken asylum system in the UK.
I cannot shake off the feeling of sadness, but also glad to know, for we must.

For those who complain about asylum seekers and often believe only the headlines, this book should be required reading. It is heartbreaking to learn about the injustices and lack of compassion shown to these individuals. Sensationalist headlines are often inaccurate and harmful, not only to asylum seekers but also to those working within the asylum system. This book is deeply moving and lays bare the harsh reality that there is no legal route for the majority of asylum seekers to enter the UK, forcing them to take illegal and often dangerous paths. The situation is complex, unfair, and devastating, and Kelly explains it with great clarity. She sheds light on the scandals within the Home Office and exposes the failures of the broken asylum system.