Come from Away is a book that tells the fascinating and heartwarming story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, and its extraordinary response to the events of September 11, 2001. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this book takes readers on a journey through the true events that unfolded when 38 planes were forced to land in Gander due to the closure of American airspace.
Come from Away captures the essence of the incredible kindness and compassion shown by the people of Gander as they welcomed over 6,500 stranded passengers from all over the world. The book explores the stories of the locals who opened their homes, schools, and community centers to provide food, shelter, and support to the “plane people,” as they came to be known.
Through interviews, personal accounts, and research, Sankoff and Hein bring to life the experiences of both the locals and the stranded passengers. They delve into the emotions, challenges, and friendships that developed during the five days the passengers were in Gander, painting a vivid picture of the humanity that emerged in the face of tragedy.
Contents
The Author’s Background
The author of “Come from Away,” Irene Sankoff, was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She developed a passion for writing and storytelling from a young age, which eventually led her to pursue a career in theater. After completing her studies in drama at York University, Sankoff began writing and directing her own plays.
Sankoff’s interest in the events of September 11, 2001, and the inspiring stories that emerged from that tragic day, inspired her to write “Come from Away.” Alongside her husband and writing partner, David Hein, Sankoff conducted extensive research and interviews with the people of Gander, Newfoundland, where 38 planes were diverted and nearly 7,000 stranded passengers were welcomed by the local community.
Through her work on “Come from Away,” Sankoff aimed to honor the kindness, generosity, and resilience of the people of Gander and the passengers who found themselves unexpectedly stranded in a small town. Her dedication to capturing the human spirit and telling stories of hope and unity shines through in the pages of the book.
Sankoff’s background in theater and her ability to craft compelling narratives is evident in “Come from Away.” The book is not only a retelling of historical events but also a testament to the power of community and the importance of embracing diversity and compassion in times of crisis.
Overall, Irene Sankoff’s background as a writer and her deep connection to the stories she tells make “Come from Away” a captivating and heartfelt read.
Coming from Away: Unveiling the Story
The book “Come from Away” tells a captivating and inspiring story that unfolds in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. It sheds light on the incredible kindness and compassion shown by the people of Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, Canada, towards the thousands of stranded passengers whose planes were diverted to their airport.
The story revolves around the experiences of the “plane people,” as they are called, who found themselves unexpectedly thrust into the welcoming arms of the people of Gander. The book explores the challenges, fears, and uncertainties faced by both the local residents and the stranded passengers, as well as the heartwarming connections and friendships that formed in such trying circumstances.
An Unforgettable Journey
Through the pages of “Come from Away,” readers are taken on an unforgettable journey that reveals the true power of human kindness and resilience. The book uncovers the untold stories of the individuals who came together in a time of crisis, transcending differences of nationality, religion, and culture to offer support and comfort to one another.
The author skillfully weaves together the narratives of various characters, giving readers a glimpse into their lives before, during, and after their time in Gander. From the local bus driver to the pilot of one of the grounded planes, each character’s story adds depth and richness to the overall narrative, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and emotions.
A Testament to the Human Spirit
“Come from Away” serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. It showcases the resilience and strength of ordinary people who rose to the occasion and demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion in a time of great uncertainty and fear.
The book not only highlights the heroism and generosity of the people of Gander but also challenges readers to reflect on their own capacity for kindness and empathy. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, acts of compassion and solidarity have the power to bring hope and healing.
Overall, “Come from Away” is a powerful and moving account of a remarkable true story. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the potential for goodness that lies within each of us.
Research and Inspiration
When writing “Come from Away,” the authors, Irene Sankoff and David Hein, conducted extensive research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the story. They interviewed thousands of people who were directly involved in the events following the 9/11 attacks, including the passengers and crew of the planes that were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland.
The research process involved visiting Gander and meeting with locals who had opened their homes and hearts to the stranded passengers. Sankoff and Hein immersed themselves in the community, attending events and talking to people to gather firsthand accounts of the events that unfolded during those five days.
Finding Inspiration in the Stories
Throughout their research, Sankoff and Hein were deeply moved by the stories they heard. They were inspired by the kindness, generosity, and resilience of the people of Gander and the passengers who found themselves in an unfamiliar place during a time of crisis.
The authors were particularly drawn to the theme of unity and how people from different backgrounds and cultures came together to support each other. They were inspired by the friendships that formed during those five days and how strangers became like family.
Sankoff and Hein also found inspiration in the personal stories of the individuals they interviewed. They were amazed by the courage and strength displayed by these ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. These stories became the foundation for the characters in the musical, each representing a different perspective and experience.
Bringing the Story to Life
Armed with their research and inspired by the stories they had collected, Sankoff and Hein set out to bring the story of “Come from Away” to life. They crafted a narrative that captured the emotional journey of the characters and the impact of the events on both the passengers and the people of Gander.
Through their writing, Sankoff and Hein aimed to honor the memory of those who were affected by the 9/11 attacks and celebrate the power of human connection and kindness. The result is a captivating and heartwarming musical that continues to touch audiences around the world.
Unique Approaches in “Come from Away”
“Come from Away” is a captivating book that tells the remarkable story of the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, and the extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion that took place in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The book showcases several unique approaches that make it a truly unforgettable read.
1. Multiple Perspectives
One of the unique approaches in “Come from Away” is the use of multiple perspectives to tell the story. The book features interviews and firsthand accounts from various individuals who were directly involved in the events that unfolded in Gander. This allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and emotions of different characters, including the local residents, the stranded passengers, and the emergency responders.
2. Non-Linear Narrative
Another distinctive aspect of “Come from Away” is its non-linear narrative structure. The book jumps back and forth between different time periods, providing insights into the events leading up to September 11, the immediate aftermath of the attacks, and the long-term impact on the people of Gander. This unconventional storytelling technique adds depth and complexity to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and intrigued throughout.
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| Multiple Perspectives |
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Overall, “Come from Away” stands out for its unique approaches in storytelling. By incorporating multiple perspectives and a non-linear narrative, the book offers a fresh and immersive reading experience that beautifully captures the resilience, compassion, and humanity displayed by the people of Gander during a time of crisis.
Critical Reception and Impact
The book “Come from Away” has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication. Critics have praised the author’s skill in capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the true events that inspired the story. The book has been praised for its compelling narrative style and its ability to transport readers to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Many readers have been deeply moved by the book, finding it a powerful and uplifting exploration of the human capacity for kindness and compassion in the face of tragedy. The stories of the local residents of Gander and the stranded passengers have resonated with readers from all walks of life, reminding them of the importance of community and the strength of the human spirit.
The impact of “Come from Away” extends beyond the literary world. The book has inspired a hit Broadway musical of the same name, which has received numerous awards and critical acclaim. The musical has brought the story of Gander and its residents to an even wider audience, spreading its message of hope and unity to people around the world.
Additionally, the book has sparked renewed interest in the events of September 11 and the stories of those affected by it. It has served as a reminder of the resilience and generosity that can emerge in the face of tragedy, and has encouraged readers to seek out similar stories of hope and humanity.
Overall, the critical reception and impact of “Come from Away” have been overwhelmingly positive, with the book and its adaptation reaching and inspiring audiences far and wide.
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