Shadow

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and animal cruelty.

Aman is a 14-year-old Afghan refugee living in Manchester, England, with his mother and his uncle Mir’s family. Aman is bright and intelligent, with a keen mind for mathematics. He also loves soccer: He is a star player on his school’s team. His favorite soccer team is Manchester United, and he idolizes David Beckham. He shares a close bond with his best friend, Matt, which exemplifies the theme of The Power of Friendship. 

At the beginning of the novel, Aman and his mother are imprisoned in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre. They came to England six years ago, fleeing violence and persecution at the hands of the Taliban. However, the British government recently denied their asylum claim, and they are on the verge of deportation. Matt’s grandfather visits Aman at Matt’s request. Aman’s downcast and withdrawn demeanor emphasizes the trauma inflicted upon him by imprisonment and the threat of deportation. He has all but given up hope of being able to remain in England, which, after six years, feels like home to him. At his mother’s behest, Aman relays their whole story to Grandpa in the hopes that he can help them.