Somewhere in the Unknown World: A Collective Refugee Memoir

Michael Tesfay has no pictures of himself from childhood, but carries images inside his heart. As a boy, his responsibilities are limited to taking care of his family’s animals. He spends the rest of his time playing soccer with his friends, including his best friend, Adam. Michael’s mother died of a malaria outbreak when he was four months old. He was raised believing that his grandmother was his mother, and that his father was his brother. One day, Michael tells Adam that he feels lucky to have a brother who loves him so deeply, and that he doesn’t understand why. Adam reluctantly tells Michael that he overheard his mother and aunt say that Michael’s brother is really his father, and that his family has been lying to him. Michael is heartbroken, and runs home to ask his mother for the truth. She tearfully admits that she is his grandmother, but assures Michael that she doesn’t love him any less. When Michael’s father returns, he tells Michael that his late mother will always be his mom, and so will his grandmother, who raised him.

When Michael turns 18, he leaves his small village to be an ambulance driver in Asmara, the Eritrean capital, sending money home to his family.