Sanctuary
‘Everyone should read this furious defence of the voiceless.’
Chris Cleave
Sanctuary is the debut novel by Tom Gaisford. Demoted, signed off sick with stress and watching the woman he loves drift away, a young refugee lawyer devises a madcap plan to put things right. The result is a gripping, funny, shocking, tender and thought-provoking story about humanity, belonging and the search for meaning in a deeply contradictory world.
Praise for Sanctuary
Philip Thorpe
‘Sanctuary is a masterpiece. As someone who has spent many years inside the UK’s asylum decision making world, I found Tom Gaisford’s portrayal of the system deeply moving and uncannily resonant... I could not put this book down.’
The Secret Barrister
‘I have just finished Sanctuary by Tom Gaisford. And I have whiplash from all those twists. A superb accomplishment. Sanctuary is compellingly written and bursting with humanity. A triumph. Highly recommended.’
Robert Bathurst
‘Passionate and atmospheric, both as a love story and a ferocious drama set in the murky world of asylum policy and practice, written with deep insight, exciting twists and insolent good humour.’
Rebecca Fraser
‘Every scenario was beautifully done whether amongst lawyers or asylum seekers, convincing and moving in some cases, and excellent and believable characters…I could not stop reading it...’
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