The Good Deed

A powerful and fictional story based on truistic accounts of refugees on the island of Samos in Greece. The author uses her experiences researching refugees and refugee camps and turns them into a fascinating, dramatic, and all-too-realistic book.

Benedict writes about the harrowing adventures the refugees endured as they crossed the seas in flimsy-built boats, hooked up with crooked boat captains and smugglers who stole their money and the racism they felt from the locals who didn't want them on their island. However, the gist of the story was the strong relationships between the women who, despite what they had experienced find friendship with one another, giving each other hope as they fought for better lives outside of the refugee camp.

The Good Deed is an entertaining, nail-biter that reminds readers of what migrants and refugees are going through today as they leave their war-torn and impoverished countries hoping for better lives.

This is an engaging novel set on the beautiful island of Samos in Greece. Four women, four different life stories full of grief. Helen Benedict describes all these points of view in a gripping little novel that will make you think differently about all these refugees who nearly drown trying to find a better life - only to find themselves in new very difficult circumstances.

I found this to be a heartbreaking but thought provoking examination of privilege and the experiences of so many female refugees around the world. A very meaningful read that I think will stay with me for a long time and that very aptly discusses savior complexes and their dangers.

I will say at some points the writing and plot became a little bit cliche. However the vivid details of the storytelling and the skillful interweaving of the narratives far outshines any momentary cliches.

Overall, a novel I will definitely be recommending.