Introduction -
The Bone Sparrow was a book written by Zana Fraillon and conveys the importance of empathy through the perspective of an optimistic refugee, Subhi, along with the help of his friend Jimmy and his sister Queeny. Empathy helps people to understand how others are feeling and is shown throughout the novel using Subhi’s authentic personality, allowing people who are his age to relate to the text. The harsh environment and treatment which people are forced to endure allows Jimmy to empathise with Subhi’s current situation. Both of their settings and lives are highly dissimilar yet they bonded right as they met each other. Despite the fact that Queeny and Subhi are siblings, Queeny has knowledge on life outside of the detention centre
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Their powerful sibling bond has provided support and guidance towards both of them. Storytelling creates physical support towards others and connects with cultures and/or backgrounds. Zana Fraillon interweaves storytelling frequently throughout the novel to demonstrate how important it is and this is observed in, ‘Queeny pulls me into her so my head is resting on her shoulder, and she starts to tell me everything there is to know about our ba.’ Although this is one of the last, and rather sad, stories that Queeny told Subhi, story telling acts as an escape from the cruel reality of the camp. She is aware of the truth behind their father’s death but waited until the time was right to tell Subhi as she did not want him to lose hope, like how their ma did. Queeny never fails to provide solace and comfort for others, mainly Subhi. Storytelling develops Subhi’s knowledge of experiences which are beyond his own and his understanding of new perspectives. Queeny’s empathy has allowed Subhi’s perspective to widen and his vivid imaginations have led him to many places, such as the night sea. The night sea is a constantly recurring motif which is brought up throughout the book. It represents escapism and freedom. The importance of empathy has given hope to Subhi and he has learned that the stories which were shared in the night sea would allow him to connect to other people’s