Dreaming Australia tells the story of Soraya, a young girl from Masar e-Sharif, Northern Afghanistan. After her mother is killed in a missile attack, she is sent away with her brother and cousin to a people smuggler in Pakistan who will arrange for her to travel to Australia. But the journey through the mountains north of Kabul is dangerous, particularly after her two male escorts are commandeered by the Taliban to work as porters. Fortunately Soraya meets Muhammed, a rohani (or holy man), who guides her across the border to the city of Peshawar. There she meets her people smuggler who insists that Australians "will wave and shout their greetings and helpful officials will be at the dock to assist her."
Upon arrival in Australia, Soraya is interned in the Woomera Detention Centre. (from Author's website)
