Walking Free

What a wonderful man to be such a caring and incredible surgeon pioneering such amazing procedures that allows people who have lost a leg to walk again. I am so impressed with him and I would like to deeply apologize to him for the disgraceful treatment received by him at the hands of the Australian Government Authorities in the Curtin detention camp, what a dreadful place and what a dreadful way to treat human beings. I am deeply ashamed by "our" cruelty to him and so many others.It amazes me that he still has the love inside him to want to help Australians.

This book helped me get behind the headlines of the tabloid media. It's the story of a cultured and privileged Iraqi man's flight from Saddam Hussein that ended in Australia via a leaky boat and people smugglers. Most interesting for me was the insider insights into Australia's detention centres; it's incredibly distressing to read that Munjed was better treated in an Australian prison than in the detention centre. This is a great read for anyone who wants to better understand what drives refugees and the impact of their choice of mode of arrival in Australia has on their future.

What an amazing person! His skills as an orthopaedic surgeon has transformed so many lives. It is an inditement on Australian beaurocracy that treated these folk the way they did - where is their basic humanity? Well done Munjed Al Muderis and others for the success you have made of your lives.

In “Walking Free” Munjed Al Muderis describes his life from growing up in an influential affluent family to graduating as a doctor to falling foul of Saddam Hussein to escaping to Australia. His time in Australia was initially in the horrific Curtin Detention centre then later on release he has become a distinguished Orthopaedic Surgeon.The story raises many issues about Australia’s harsh policy towards refugees arriving uninvited by boat. The critics of the policy will point to the very harsh conditions Munjed experienced in detention and the fact that he has become an outstanding addition to the Australian community. The supporters of the policy will point to Munjed’s own admission that he often felt very different from most of the other 150 refugees who shared the boat from Indonesia. Many of these refugees were uneducated rural people with strong bonds to ancient religious customs. It is likely such people would find it difficult adjusting to life in a modern western country like Australia. Successful migration to Australia involves both the migrants (or refugees) and the existing inhabitants making changes.Munjed’s experiences are interesting but unfortunately they are presented as a chronicle of events with little style or passion. This seems to occur because autobiography has been filtered through from the narrator Munjed to the writer Patrick Weaver. In the process the emotions, nuances and most importantly the voice gets lost amongst all the facts. A great book shows rather than tells the reader. In Waking Free we are just told. As the reader I was not given the opportunity to discover things for myself, to imagine places, atmosphere or emotions – instead I was directed, forcibly, through event after event.Having said that there were a number of incidents in the book that did get my interest. The elaborate and excessive funeral and wedding ceremonies with the men given all the food and the leftovers sent to the women in another room was one. I couldn’t really understand why the army didn’t search a bit hard for Munjed so they let him escape from the hospital.Australia, the ultimate destination, was not mentioned until Munjed was almost on the boat. Munjed’s trips to Europe and America were mentioned early in the book. Why did he choose that destination and what did he expect to find? The official from the Immigration department told him and the other refugees they were not welcome and the Australian people didn’t want them. On the other hand the department would help them return to their country of origin. I should point out that this is a view shared by some but not all Australians.Autobiographies also suffer a bit by the author, perhaps unconsciously, making him and his family seem marvelous beyond belief. I have even noticed this in books by more famous people. They rarely seem to believe they have done anything wrong and the family is anything but perfect.Walking Free is an incredible story and Munjed Al Muderis is clearly a courageous man, but even this wasn’t enough to keep me hooked. Some people may very well love this memoir, but for those who need more than just facts to get them through a book, then I’d give this one a miss.

A most interesting story which should be required reading at high schools. This young man certainly made a difference to amputees and is a worthycitizen of his new country. His upbringing and early life experiences stood him in good stead when faced with death and exptreme discomfort.His thirst for knowledge and a special goal for his life are an inspiration.Well written. A rivetting read.

Munjed has told his story with eloquence, factuality and honesty. It is humbling to read and inspiring to see a talented man face so many odds and still step forward. As a Sydneysider myself I keep thinking how blessed we are that he settled on our shores. I wonder how many other similar tales there must be! Well done Munjed and thank you for sharing.

I really enjoyed this amazing story of an amazing surgeon. From Adversity to a life of helping others. Inspirational

An extraordinary story of one man's shear determination to pursue his goals and manoeuvre barriers presented to him with great fortitude. A very inspiring and well written account of prejudice which can consume mankind, when it can become so unnecessary and counter productive.

Amazing story and all true

Excellent book. Well written. Determination to succeed and focus on what he believed he could achieve. Father instilled excellent grounding and life values in him. He is a credit to his profession and achievements. We could do with many more refugees with this mans tenacity to succeed (at the expense of his marriage(s) ).Believing and focusing on his ability to become an orthopaedic surgeon was the driving force to becoming successful at his profession. Seeing the results of some of his work is truly inspiring ie Surgeon and the soldier plus Ahn Do's portrait.

Gash I just finished your book 11:20 uk time Manchester EnglandAs an asylum seeker myself, I can’t really describe what a contribution you had made . I just wanna say thank you !If you there !

An incredibly interesting story which should be a compulsory part of the curriculum in high schools. It is the amazing story of a cultured and privileged Iraqi man's flight from Saddam Hussein that brings to Australia as a boat person, enduring hardship and people smugglers. The harrowing part of this book for me was the graphic and horrible portrayal of Australia's detention centres; it's incredibly distressing to read that Munjed was better treated in an Australian prison than in the detention centre. It made me ashamed that Australia made it hard to begin his life here but so glad that Dr Muderis finally made his mark in the Medical world as he is making a huge difference to amputees and a leading surgeon in his field. This is well written, even if a little clinical. A riveting read especially for those who want to better understand what drives refugees.

I read it, was very interesting. One should never loose hope if have a plan in life.