The Lines We Cross

“‘But you were also smuggled out of a war zone, lived in a refugee camp, traveled here on a leaky boat, and were locked in detention for months. By all means be scared.’ And then, without a hint of irony, she adds, ‘But just remember, I’m expecting you to be top of your class.’”

Abdel-Fattah uses the dialogue in Mina’s conversation with her mother to reveal her protagonist’s backstory. Mina’s mother hopes to give Mina courage by reminding her of the harrowing experiences she’s survived as a refugee. However, Mina’s mother also emphasizes her expectations that Mina rank at the “top of [her] class” in the prestigious Victoria College. Later in the story, Mina and Michael bond over the pressure they each feel from their loving yet demanding parents.

“‘I meant, if you come by boat, you’ve jumped the queue.’ […] ‘There’s no queue,’ I tell Michael as I slam my books into my bag. ‘I would know. I came here by boat.’ ‘Well, you have nothing to complain about then, do you?’ Michael replies calmly.”

Abdel-Fattah situates Mina and Michael’s first interaction in a class discussion about immigration. Michael automatically parrots his parents’ xenophobic beliefs, such as the idea that asylum seekers have “jumped the queue” and thus supposedly cheated other more deserving immigrants. Michael’s father later appears on a TV program titled Don’t Jump the Queue, which causes conflict in the young people’s relationship. Abdel-Fattah’s use of the adverb “calmly” to describe Michael’s speech in this scene sets up a contrast for his eventual growth when he moves beyond complacency and comes to share Mina’s passion for fighting injustice.

“I have no idea at this point that Liam and the girls have filmed the fight on their phones and that later that night Noah will post the video on YouTube with the tagline Reverse Racism. I have no idea that someone from Aussie Values picks it up and tweets it: They call US racists? Look what this “Aboriginal” guy did to Mason and his friends. I also have no idea that the current affairs programs pick it up from there. I go home oblivious to the furor to come.”

Throughout the novel, the media serves as a motif for The Impact of Xenophobia and Racism on Individuals and Communities. The passage about the fight offers an example of how Aussie Values manipulates events to suit their agenda and uses the press and social media to spread their views. As the story continues, more of Michael’s experiences are commandeered by his parents’ organization in an attempt to justify their bigotry.

“‘It looks completely different from the one in Auburn,’ I muse. ‘The interior designer, he said, the more the better,’ Baba explains. ‘People want it to feel authentic.’”

The restaurant serves as a major setting in the novel and a symbol of the relationship between refugees and mainstream Australian culture. The space transforms from a typical Australian fish and chip shop to become Kabul Kitchen, but it also looks “completely different” from Farshad’s restaurant in the largely Muslim community of Auburn. Ironically, the “authentic” design reflects the white interior decorator’s idea of how to pander to other white Australians’ assumptions about Afghanistan, suggesting that the residents of Sydney’s affluent North Shore feel more comfortable with refugees in stereotypical roles.

“‘I said is your meat halal?’ ‘Yes.’ I wonder if he’s been hired to check certification and point to the halal certificate behind the counter. ‘We’re certified, as you can see.’”

Andrew asks about halal meat because he seeks to spread the conspiracy theory that the sales of halal meat fund terrorism, providing both an example of how Aussie Values’ xenophobia specifically targets Muslim immigrants and an instance in which a member of the organization acts without the approval of Michael’s father. Andrew’s malicious interest in the restaurant foreshadows Aussie Values’ use of the media and the immigration office to target the individuals who work there.

“I stand in front of a photograph of a young Ghanaian kid. Barefoot, in an undershirt and faded oversized jeans, he has a solemn expression on his face. There’s something almost rehearsed in his pose and demeanor. A tenth-grade girl named Sandra is crouched down on her knees, one arm around him, grinning at the camera. The whole photograph feels staged, as if he’s just playing out a role for her benefit, like some kind of third-world kid mascot helping people from the first world find themselves.”

Abdel-Fattah’s novel touches on a number of issues connected to racism and xenophobia. The 10th graders’ trip to Ghana provides an example of voluntourism, which has been criticized as an opportunity for virtue signaling and promoting a white savior mentality. Mina feels disturbed by the photograph that reduces a child in a developing nation to a “third-world kid mascot” while Michael and Paula, who participated in a similar trip, don’t see the problem with affluent students treating impoverished areas like vacation destinations where they can “find themselves” and feel virtuous. Victoria College’s tradition of voluntourism underscores the ways in which privileged students are conditioned to see themselves as set apart from and superior to people in developing countries.

“There’s a shot of the man who harassed us in the restaurant. He’s a member of a new organization that wants to stop the ‘Islamization of Australia.’ There’s a shot of the founder, Alan Blainey. Then there’s some file footage of a group of people at an anti-asylum-seeker rally. ‘But is all this just fear-mongering?’ the journalist asks in the end. A bit too late for that. I feel like vomiting.”

Throughout the novel, Abdel-Fattah uses the media to provide narrative exposition as well as context for the character’s actions. When Andrew’s harassment of Kabul Kitchen makes the news, the media fails to condemn his discriminatory actions. Mina’s criticism that the reporter’s question about fearmongering is “a bit too late” exposes the weakness of the argument that the media should impartially present both sides of a story when one side is rooted in bigotry. In addition, Michael’s father is named as the founder of Aussie Values in this passage, which foreshadows the impact this information will have on Mina and Michael’s relationship.

“‘Saw your dad’s organization on TV. And Mina from school. Looks like her dad’s into some dodgy shit big-time. How do you want me to reply?’ ‘I don’t know,’ I say distractedly, thinking about a response. After several tries I settle on: Who knows what the full story is? The response is excruciatingly lame. I dictate to Nathan, feeling piss weak and slightly confused. Why should I even care?”

This passage highlights The Struggle of Finding and Following One’s Personal Convictions. Michael’s inner conflict is particularly intense because Aussie Values is his “dad’s organization.” Even as he begins to question his family’s political views, he is afraid to risk losing the esteem of his parents or of his friends who harbor bigoted ideas, making it difficult for him to speak out against the racism and xenophobia his own family exacerbates. Still, his self-awareness and criticism of his response as “excruciatingly lame” and “piss weak” shows that his conscience is developing and demanding action.

“‘Aussie Values? Your dad’s organization?’ ‘Yeah,’ Terrence says in a well duh voice. ‘I can explain,’ Michael says. But I don’t want to hear another word from him. ‘Nope.’ I shake my head emphatically. ‘Don’t bother. I thought you were confused. Turns out you’re just a hypocrite.’”

The revelation of the connection between Michael and Aussie Values represents a serious setback to Mina and Michael’s budding friendship. At this point of the novel, Michael stands at a crossroads; he can either suppress his critical thinking and continue echoing what his parents tell him to believe, or he can take a stand against racism and xenophobia. As Mina cuttingly observes, his attempts to play both sides only make him “a hypocrite.”

“I stay up late surfing the net. I read articles and blogs. I watch YouTube documentaries. My mind is buzzing with information overload. September 11. Bombing Iraq. No weapons of mass destruction. With us or against us. Guantánamo Bay. Abu Ghraib. Chemical weapons. Arming the rebels. Backing dictators. Overthrowing dictators. Revolutions. Arab Spring. CIA torture. Beheadings.”

In an important development for Michael’s characterization and the theme of Finding and Following One’s Personal Convictions, he conducts research on immigration and related issues in global politics. This work fulfills Mina’s directive that Michael needs to educate himself about refugees in Chapter 5. The author’s use of fragments emphasizes Michael’s attempts to piece his own beliefs together and illustrates how overwhelmed he feels by the amount of information that goes against the narrative his parents have taught him.

“I celebrate our diversity—so long as people assimilate to our values. I don’t have a problem with different foods and festivals. […] You’re welcome into this wonderful country so long as you respect Judeo-Christian values. And believe me, Michael, blending in makes life easier for migrants and their children too.”

Even as Michael’s father balks at the accusation that he is racist, his views are steeped in racism and xenophobia. His understanding of diversity as “food and festivals” reduces cultures other than his own to the parts he considers palatable. In addition, the term “Judeo-Christian” has been criticized for glossing over the differences between Judaism and Christianity and the ways it has been used to exclude and discriminate against Islam.

“That’s when it hits me that I’ve crossed the line from thinking about Mina to crushing hard. I’m in that tragic stage where I’ll take any scraps on offer: the sound of her name; a visit to a suburb she once lived in, and misses.”

Michael’s realization that he has romantic feelings for Mina advances The Importance of Love and Connection in Abdel-Fattah’s narrative. Motivated by his feelings for Mina, Michael grows as a person. For example, his visit to Auburn pushes him to challenge his parents’ biases and form his own understanding of immigrants.

“‘This is me, okay? I’m white and my parents started Aussie Values. I’m sorting through that, and it’s not easy, thank you very much, so it would be helpful if you quit acting so bloody condescending and superior.’ I see red. ‘You want me to make it easier for you to confront your privilege because God knows even antiracism has to be done in a way that makes the majority comfortable? Sorry, Michael, I don’t have time to babysit you through your enlightenment.’”

Mina and Michael’s confrontation in Chapter 32 unfolds similarly to their previous argument in Chapter 5, emphasizing Michael’s ongoing character growth over time. Since Chapter 5, Michael has begun to question his parents’ beliefs and conduct his own research on immigration, yet his growth is still very much in progress and the teenagers’ relationship remains contentious. Michael still refuses to admit that his parents are racist, and Mina remains adamant that he must undertake the work of educating himself. Her refusal to coddle Michael’s emotions contrasts with Abdel-Fattah’s depiction of Jane, who compromises herself and her morals in the hope of gaining a boy’s attention.

“I stare into his eyes for a moment. ‘What you drew contradicts everything Aussie Values stands for. I don’t get it.’ ‘I’m just trying to figure out what I stand for.’ ‘That’s…’ I pause, and then smile at him. I don’t bother saying anything. I don’t need to.”

Michael’s sketches of the refugee in the birdcage offer tangible proof that he’s striving to “figure out what [he] stand[s] for” by moving away from his parents’ racist and xenophobic ideology. His art catalyzes a positive turning point in the main characters’ romantic arc evidenced by Mina’s smile of approval.

“I spot her from afar, walking slowly, looking around. It’s as though the shopping center suddenly empties of everybody. It’s not like the first time I saw her. Now it’s different. Maybe you only get one chance at meeting somebody who really gets inside you, wakes corners of your mind and heart that you didn’t know were asleep. Eventually she spots me. ‘Did you listen to it?’ she cries, her eyes beaming at me.”

Mina and Michael’s first date develops the novel’s thematic interest in The Importance of Love and Connection. Michael illustrates his personal growth and his gratitude for Mina through his reflection on “meeting somebody who [...] wakes corners of your mind and heart that you didn’t know were asleep.” Mina’s question at the end of this passage refers to an album by The xx, highlighting music as a motif for connection.

“I feel as though a chasm has opened between my parents and me and that things between us can never be the same again. To tell them how I feel means attacking the very core of who they are, what gives them meaning and purpose in their lives. I feel stuck, as if the only choice in front of me is keeping silent or breaking their hearts.”

Michael’s journey over the course of the novel reflects several tropes of traditional coming-of-age arcs such as first love and beginning to see one’s parents as human and fallible. Michael’s realization that his own view of the world is different from that of his parents is precipitated by his mother taking something he told her out of context. As he tells her about seeing a group of Sudanese refugees in Auburn and sincerely trying to understand people from a different background, she weaponizes her son’s experience to promote Aussie Values’ xenophobic agenda. Even though Michael is repulsed by his parents’ views, he still dreads “breaking their hearts.”

“‘It’s like all these nameless, faceless people getting killed all around the world every day and nobody gives a shit because they’re not Aussie or American or French, you know what I mean? It’s like dying and getting killed is just something people like us do. It doesn’t shock anybody. If we live, then people are surprised.’ She lets out a short laugh. ‘If I can at least remember Hasan’s face then I bring him out of that fog. He becomes real and he matters.’”

In a deeply emotional scene, Mina opens up to Michael about why it troubles her so deeply that she can’t remember her deceased brother’s face. Hasan comes to represent all the “nameless, faceless people getting killed all around the world every day.” This passage examines both the deadly Impact of Xenophobia and Racism on Individuals and Communities and also The Importance of Love and Connection as Mina and Michael grow closer through a moment of shared vulnerability. This moment of trust occurs right before the main characters’ first kiss.

“‘Michael, I need your help!’ I say quickly. I fill him in on what’s happened, ask him to stop the organization from taking it further, talking to immigration or the media. ‘They’re not allowed to work but how are they supposed to live? We’re just helping them out. And the media?! I can’t let my parents go through the stress of it all. Why are they picking on us? We’re an Afghan restaurant in the lower North Shore. We’re hardly going to swing an election for them.’ ‘I don’t know,’ he says with concern. ‘I’ll talk to my parents.’”

The novel’s dramatic tension escalates when Aussie Values’ harassment of the restaurant places three immigrants in danger of deportation, demonstrating the Impact of Xenophobia and Racism on Individuals and Communities. The development is also important for Michael and Mina’s relationship because, for the first time Mina treats Michael as an ally, asking him to intervene with his parents. Her request shows the urgency of the situation as well as her trust in Michael at this point of the narrative.

“‘How can this possibly make any difference to you? You’re getting results in Jordan Springs, you’ve got some more members. Why can’t you show some freaking mercy?’ Dad is taken aback and Mum, raising her eyebrows at me in dismay, says, ‘What has this restaurant got to do with you?’”

In a milestone for the theme of Finding and Following One’s Personal Convictions, Michael finally stands up to his parents. Michael’s ability to articulate his own views and advocate for them to his parents emphasizes his personal growth.

“‘Your dad’s leader of Aussie Values, for God’s sake. What the hell’s happened to you?’ […] How do I explain to him that I went along with everything my parents said because it never occurred to me that they could be wrong? I never dared to think I could question them until I met Mina. She’s turned my life inside out and nothing’s been the same since.”

Michael’s confrontation with Terrence weaves together the novel’s three major themes. Terrence tries to use Aussie Values to justify his own bigotry, which demonstrates the Impact of Xenophobia and Racism on Individuals and Communities. Terrance functions as a foil to Michael because he is unwilling to do the work to challenge his own implicit bias. Over the course of the story, Michael’s desire to retain his friendship with Terrence holds him back from following his personal convictions. His decision to end his friendship with Terrence in this chapter emphasizes the importance of finding healthy connections that encourage one’s growth rather than impeding it. Michael’s conflict with Terrence suggests that, in addition to establishing healthy relationships, it’s equally important to surrender toxic ones.

“Dad’s eyes plead with me. ‘Sorry, Dad,’ I say. ‘But Aussie Values is all about being angry, defensive, and paranoid. You said that bad things happen when good people remain silent. So I’m speaking up. I’m against your organization and everything it stands for.’”

Michael’s condemnation of Aussie Values’ racism demonstrates clear character growth and emphasizes the Struggle of Finding and Following One’s Personal Convictions. By setting this scene in front of a TV camera, Abdel-Fattah encourages the reader to reflect on how far Michael has come since the interview near the start of the novel when he merely recited xenophobic lines his parents fed him.

“I’ve tried really hard to see your point of view. I’ve struggled to reject the things you believe in. But I’ve done my own research because in case you’ve forgotten, it’s the two of you who taught me never to accept things at face value.”

Michael speaks to his own struggles with rejecting “ the things [his parents] believe in,” emphasizing that discovering one’s own beliefs can often be a long and difficult journey. This scene also reflects The Impact of Xenophobia and Racism on Individuals and Communities as Michael refuses to let his parents deflect blame for the harm their organization has caused.

“‘We’re not the first family to divide on politics,’ Dad says matter-of-factly. ‘It shouldn’t split us apart.’ ‘Well, obviously I won’t let that happen,’ Mum says tersely. ‘We wouldn’t be much of a family otherwise, would we?’”

The novel’s ending offers some resolution while leaving an element of tension and suspense. For example, this passage makes it clear that Michael’s parents are determined to remain a family and work through their differences with their older son. Michael’s growth does not guarantee that his parents will change, but their willingness to work toward understanding each other offers a hopeful view of the future.