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Safe Haven

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Safe Haven

By: Shankari Chandran
Narrated by: Shabana Azeez
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About this listen

It was a beautiful evening. The wind gathered speed, lifting the frangipanis from the grove behind him, pink and yellow petals defying gravity. Beyond the trees, hidden by the foliage and rows of towering palm trees, the detention centre slept fitfully in the heavy summer heat. The palms blocked the ocean gust that now swirled around him, filling his lungs with the taste of temple flowers and salt. It reminded him of home. He took a deep breath, stepped off the escarpment and felt the red sand rush up towards him.

Arriving in Australia seeking asylum, Fina dedicates herself to aiding the refugees who are held in Port Camden, a remote island outpost. Over time she settles into a life within a community of like-minded people, finding a new family, far from her original home. After she speaks out for those being detained, Fina becomes the focus of a media storm that leads to her arrest, and the threat of deportation.

When a security officer dies under suspicious circumstances, Lucky, a special investigator, arrives to uncover the truth. The mystery is tied to Fina's fate—and the secrets she reveals will divide the town and the nation.

Safe Haven is about displacement and seeking refuge—but ultimately it is a story about finding home—and the lengths you'll go to find safety and love.

©2024 Shankari Chandran (P)2024 W. F. Howes ltd. & Ultimo Press
Mystery Women Sleuths
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A compelling read about a subject few Australians really know. The despair these people seeking asylum must feel to place themselves and their families in such peril in order to escape oppression, torture and death.

Tragedy and triumph

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I have a new favourite author. The plot, the topics, the characters, the setting, all pulled together superbly. Good voice performance too.

Superb

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Loved this story, it’s one that needs a lot more exposure. Thank you for writing it.

Compelling story telling of a very real issue

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I always enjoy books by Shankari Chandran. This one in particular touched me as I have spent many years as a refugee advocate and know Tamil refugees who suffered at Australia's hands on Manus and Nauru. Some intrigue and mystery were a large part of the story and added to its interest.

The injustice traumatised refugees are often subjected to long after arrival in a 'safe' country.

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Beautiful characters and a fascinating insight into the Sri Lankan war and the plight of asylum seekers.

Wonderful story

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A fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ look at Australia’s detention policy.
A really great story woven through the book.
This is my second book by this author and will definitely read more.

Really good story

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I really enjoyed this story. The narrator was perfect, I could listen to her voice all day! We have a Shameful history with people seeking asylum and still do. Humanity is sadly lacking. thanking you for shedding light on this issue. We need to show the younger generation the importance of kindness to others.

Another Captivating Novel by Shankari

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Her characters are so deep, so honest and raw. A crime novel was so different and refreshing.

my most valued author

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The characters are extraordinary. Complex, real and very human. The book is also enough to break your heart - and certainly to hang your head in shame over the absolute inhumanity of Australia’s terrifying so-called ‘border protection’ regime. But it is also deeply heartening in the humanity, love and utter selflessness of those who ARE there to pick up the pieces and who do all they can to help and mitigate. This is such a visual novel - I could see it in vivid detail. I love how Shankari Chandran has written her anger and fury into this book but how balanced it has turned out. Also love the murder mystery story within it all. Clever story-telling there too. Can’t wait for her next book.
Exceptional narration too. One of best I’ve heard.

Horrifying and heartening

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Loved it! Very impactful story weaving together the horrific nature of the Australian refugee policies with the empathy of everyday Australians.

Heartfelt and heartbreaking

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