São Paulo – Syrian doctor Mohamad Feras Al-Lahham is launching “Recomeço – uma história de perseverança” (“A New Beginning – A Story of Perseverance” – free translation) at the 28th São Paulo International Book Biennial. The book, published independently, recounts his journey since arriving in Brazil in 2013. The work is based on diaries he kept describing the challenges, losses and achievements he experienced in his new home.
Feras, 45, came to Brazil in 2013 with his mother and four siblings, all seeking refuge and a new home because of the conflict that had affected their country. A medical graduate of the Damascus University, Feras had to start his life and career over again in Brazil. “Learning Portuguese was my biggest concern. After learning Portuguese, I continued with the process of having my medical degree revalidated,” he says. For three years, Feras had to study, take exams and even repeat his sixth year of medical school in order to work as an otolaryngologist.
“This book is more or less an autobiography filled with many stories of overcoming adversity, patience, resilience and faith. At times, I even lost hope… These are moments that anyone can go through. I decided to publish the book to convey hope to other people,” Feras told ANBA. “There is a lot of sadness in the book, but the ending is the part I like the most. The book portrays a lot of darkness and hardship, but in the end, thank God, the doors are open. So, the ending is the happiest part of the book,” he says.
Feras has lived in Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, since arriving in Brazil. He sees patients at a medical practice and performs surgeries at some of the city’s leading hospitals. The launch of “Recomeço”, a book he edited with the help of a journalist and had printed at his own expense, took place in August. Following the successful presentation of the book, Feras felt he could take part in larger projects. “The São Paulo Book Biennial is a huge, spectacular event. I was very moved to participate because people want to hear your story,” he says, referring to his appearance at the literary event this week.
“Recomeço” is available for purchase at the Autores Independentes do Brasil (Independent Brazilian Authors) booth through Sunday (13), the final day of the Biennial. It is also available here. Feras promises buyers that he will send copies with an autograph and personal dedication, if they wish.
Following the book’s exposure at the Biennial, the author says opportunities have already emerged to take “Recomeço” to other events and cities across Brazil, from north to south, in the coming months — a country he barely knew when he decided to seek refuge. “Brazil, to me, is heart and soul. It is the country that embraced me and my family, opened its doors and saved my life. I am very grateful to this wonderful country,” he says.
Event information:
Autores Independentes do Brasil (Independent Brazilian Authors) booth
28th São Paulo International Book Biennial
Distrito Anhembi, through September 13. More information is available at this link.
Translated by A. I.
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