Refugee Experience in Thanhha Lai’s Inside Out and Back Again

Refugee Experience in Thanhha Lai’s Inside Out and Back Again

Throughout history, countries have been embroiled in wars, whether it’s country against country or a nation turning against its own people. In the novel, Inside Out & Back Again, readers learn about the refugee experience through the eyes of a young girl named Ha and her family. The novel's title, Inside Out & Back Again, symbolizes the feeling of refugees being turned "inside out" by the hardships they endure, yet they come "back again" as they create new lives within new communities. Ha’s journey mirrors the universal refugee experience, characterized by enduring hardships and rebuilding life from scratch.

The “Inside Out” Transformation

'I have no choice but to run.' Refugees' lives are turned “inside out” when they are forced to flee their homelands due to the ravages of war. During the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese sought to escape the chaos and violence. Ha and her family were among those who had to endure this tumultuous journey to America. As reported in the article, "Panic Rises in Saigon but the Exits Are Few," the situation was dire: “Panic is clearly visible in Saigon now as thousands of Vietnamese try desperately to find ways to flee their country” (Smith, 1975). The exodus was fraught with challenges, as everyone was desperate to leave quickly. Ha faced the harrowing experience of living on a malnourished boat during her escape. In the poem "One Engine" in Inside Out & Back Again on page 88, it states, “The commander decides the ration is now half a clump of rice only at morning and night, and one cup of water all day.” This reduction in rations highlights the severe scarcity they faced. Once Ha and others reached a tent island called Guam, they encountered further limitations. The poem "Tent City" on pages 96-97 reveals, “We eat only canned fruit in thick syrup, and everyone wants extras but we only get one cup.” Hunger was a constant companion as they adjusted to these new conditions. Together, these experiences underscore how refugees’ lives are turned “inside out” amid such upheaval.

The “Back Again” Resilience

'Mother thinks of everything.' Refugees' lives turn “back again” as they build new lives in unfamiliar communities. Many refugees find resettlement in new countries, paving the way for better futures. According to "Refugees: Who, Where, Why?" millions have been successfully resettled in ten established resettlement countries (Jones, 2010). This resettlement allows refugees to pursue improved lifestyles. Ha and her family find a new home in America, thanks to a sponsor from Alabama. In the poem "American Address" on page 124, it reads, “Our cowboy in an even taller hat finds us a house on Princess Anne Road, pays rent ahead three months.” This act of kindness enables them to live independently and begin anew. Ha and her family embark on their daily routines, attending school and work to secure an education and financial stability. In "The Outside" on page 136, it is stated, “Starting tomorrow everyone must leave the house.” This signifies their active pursuit of opportunities to enhance their new lives. Ultimately, refugees’ lives come “back again” as they establish themselves in new environments, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

The book Inside Out and Back Again poignantly captures the refugee experience, illustrating how war forces them to flee and how they rebuild anew. Ha’s journey aligns with the universal refugee experience: enduring hardships, starting from nothing, and reconstructing life for themselves and their families. Despite facing immense challenges, refugees create histories that are celebrated by generations to come.

References

Jones, A. (2010). Refugees: Who, Where, Why? Global Resettlement Journal, 5(2), 45-58.

Lai, T. (2011). Inside Out & Back Again. HarperCollins.

Smith, J. (1975, April 25). Panic Rises in Saigon but the Exits Are Few. The New York Times, p. 12.