Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Tabish Khair's novel explores refugee crisis
Tabish Khair's new novel is about a conversation between two writers at a literary festival in France.
The narrator says something shocking about refugees, which surprises the other writer.
The rest of the book explains what the narrator really means.
It's about understanding the complicated issues around refugees and challenging simple views on the topic.
Tabish Khair's novel derives its title from a statement made by its unnamed narrator.
The conversation takes place at a literary festival on the island of St Martin in France.
The narrator's statement 'Drown all the refugees' is a provocative way to challenge simplistic views on the refugee crisis.
The novel explores the layers and complexities of the refugee crisis.
The narrator aims to explain his motives to both the outraged writer and himself.
- Who
- Tabish Khair, an unnamed narrator, and a fellow writer
- What
- A conversation about the refugee crisis at a literary festival
- When
- During a boozy evening at the festival
- Where
- On the island of St Martin in France
- Why
- To explore the complexities and layers of the refugee crisis through the narrator's provocative statement
Refugee Advocates
Narrator's Perspective
Refugee Crisis
Refugee Advocates
Refugee advocates emphasize the humanitarian crisis and the need for compassion and support for refugees.
Narrator's Perspective
The narrator's statement 'Drown all the refugees' is a provocative way to challenge simplistic views on the refugee crisis.
- Author
- Tabish Khair
- Setting
- St Martin, France
- Main Theme
- Refugee Crisis
- Narrator's Statement
- Drown all the refugees
- Context
- Literary festival conversation