Content Warning: Chapters 1-5 Summary and Analysis contains references to xenophobia.

In the aftermath of a storm, a boy, Amir Utu, wakes up on an island beach. He is the sole survivor of the refugee ship that carried him across the ocean. As he gradually comes to his senses, a crowd comprised of officials, gawkers, and news media gathers near the beach. Small, orange-throated migratory birds look down on the scene. The coast guard officials attempt to block the wreckage and bodies from view. This has become more and more of a common occurrence on the island.

Amir gets up, gradually becoming aware of the bodies around him. Two of the officials approach him, shouting in a language he does not understand. He flees into the nearby forest.

Amir and his family flee from Homs to Damascus, Syria, on a crowded bus. He is with his mother (Iman), his uncle (Younis, who married Iman after Amir’s father’s disappearance and whom Amir calls “Quiet Uncle”), and Amir’s new half-brother (Haroun). Amir wonders how a man as weak as Quiet Uncle can be expected to care for all of them.

Amir’s hearing was damaged by the bomb that destroyed their home.