Allegory of our age

I recommend this unconventional novel, though as I read it I had my doubts. While it has an engaging writing style, it seems overladen with stereotypes and insider references. There is the bullying alcoholic judge (Proudfoot), the arrogant and maliciously condescending KC (Fletcher), the brilliant and attractive younger barrister, and the ever-present dark force of the Home Office. The names of solicitors’ firms Hatton Taylor and Bradford Shields, Herringsworth detention centre and Phelan, the love interest, are all designed to resonate in the minds of those of us in the immigration and asylum business.

The comparison between the hero narrator, Alex, and the forces of the state appears to be so simplistic as to bring to mind Animal Farm’s ‘four legs good, two legs bad’. It was only when I got near to the end that I appreciated what a good book this is, and indeed one that deserves to be read again.

This is a novel set within our asylum system written from the perspective of an idealistic young solicitor. It is undoubtedly influenced by the experiences of the writer and by reports of conditions at immigration removal centres.

Alex has left the world of commercial law behind to pursue his career in the less remunerative but more exciting and personally rewarding field of refugee law. However, even in this area of work, he is still required to complete time sheets, work seven chargeable hours a day, and keep his files in good order. This is certainly not Alex’s strong point. He dreams of a relationship with junior counsel Amy Phelan. It appears that Alex, rather than representing the unfortunate asylum seekers, decides to join them.

Those who work within the immigration and asylum system, whatever their role may be, will find this novel relevant and indeed poignant. Judges, KCs and presenting officers would be well advised to bear with it, as I did, to see where it goes. I am not sure that it will strike such a chord for readers unfamiliar with the jurisdiction but it should nevertheless be a worthwhile and absorbing read.

Just as Animal Farm is a satirical novella so, in part at least, is Sanctuary. It is described by the author as ‘an allegory of our neglect of irregular migrants’. Having used the stereotypes described above, the author is at pains to point out in his conclusion that ‘there are many compassionate, professional and fair immigration judges sitting in our immigration tribunals, as there are barristers and Home Office presenting officers who appear before them’. Phew, that’s a relief.

Julian Phillips is resident judge (Wales and South West England), First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)