Beyond Calamity: A South Sudanese Refugee’s Story is a memoir by Esther Simbi, and her journey as a refugee with a disability. The memoir follows her early years and upbringing in South Sudan; spending nineteen years in refugee camps in Uganda and her journey and life in Australia.
What struck me when reading Beyond Calamity is how strong Esther Simbi’s voice is. With any book, you’re never quite sure what to expect, especially in memoir, as you’re really getting to know the person themselves. Esther Simbi’s voice is powerful, and it is sure of herself throughout. Even in moments of darkness and trouble, you could really feel that she knew what was best for her and her situation. It was something that I genuinely admired about her narrative voice.
“War, war, war! Why war? I asked. I am sick and tired of war and witnessing young people die in war, I continued, while shedding tears, I want PEACE, PEACE, PEACE”
Reading Simbi’s story taught me a lot. Admittedly, I was ignorant to some of the intricacies around refugee status and the process, as well as migration to Australia that Esther experienced. From reading this memoir, I had an opportunity to learn more. It definitely made me more aware and I now know its something I need to understand better.
Simbi tells readers early on that from a young age she was seen as a “calamity” and was shunned by some people around her. There is a reference to this in the title of Beyond Calamity. Esther is moving beyond those early beginnings and being seen that way, becoming her own person. There is such strength in Simbi’s words and the way that she tackles life’s challenges.
“Let your ability define who you are, and always remember that DISABILITY IS NOT INABILITY and that age is just a number, and that being a refugee is just a name. No situation or condition is permanent”
As someone involved in disability advocacy and interested in disability rights – I love hearing voices with disability. However, I’m mindful that my views on disability are not the only ones in the community. Although I’m a disabled person that doesn’t mean I know about every experience of disability. I enjoyed reading Simbi’s reflections on disability and how she sees herself in the world. I found it refreshing, and I learnt something about the labels and names we give to people, and to ourselves.
This is a great memoir, but its one that I wished was a little longer. I would have loved to read more about Simbi’s life in Australia. Blessed is Esther Simbi’s next book. I look forward to picking it up when it’s released in June 2021.
Content Warning: for potential readers, please note that Beyond Calamity does include scenes that describe an experience of sexual assault.
