ODYSSEY OF INNOCENTS is Released

SOLVANG, Calif.

Since the outbreak of civil war in Syria, over nine million Syrians have fled their homes, says the European Union Institute. Three million fled to neighboring countries while 6.5 million remain displaced within Syria. Less than 150,000 Syrians have claimed asylum in the European Union.

Lydia Edwards, an advocate for human rights and a member of the World Conference UN Decade for Women, captures the experience familiar to many Syrian refugees through her new novel, "Odyssey of Innocents: A Harrowing Journey Westward to Freedom" (published by Archway Publishing).

Set in 2011 just after the Arab Spring, "Odyssey of Innocents" follows 13-year-old Tania Abu Ali, a Syrian girl whose family is caught up in the civil war. Forced to flee their home, Tania and her family grab everything they can carry and escape to a refugee camp in Lebanon. But the camp is hardly any safer; Food is scarce and danger lurks beyond the camp.

To save her children, Tania's mother sends Tania and her three siblings on a journey west, but the road ahead is marred with dangers and treachery. Tania must lead her siblings through lands torn apart by civil war and ethnic and religious conflicts and dodge slave traders and border barricades. Will they ever reach the safety of the Mediterranean?

"Odyssey of Innocents" creates a modern-day retelling of Homer's "The Odyssey" with Tania playing the role of Odysseus. Through her story, Edwards hopes to further shine a spotlight on the horrors of war and inspire readers to persevere with determination, courage and integrity.

"Odyssey of Innocents"
By Lydia Edwards
Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 186 pages | ISBN 9781480816824
Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 186 pages | ISBN 9781480816848
E-Book | 186 pages | ISBN 9781480816831
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Lydia Edwards earned psychology and communication degrees from Antioch University. She co-founded and serves on the Commission for Santa Barbara County Status of Women and to the World Conference UN Decade for Women in Nairobi, Kenya. Edwards is a contributing media director for political, social and civic awareness. She previously published "The Truckee River Experience." More information can be found at LydiaEdwards.net.

Archway Publishing is a supported self-publishing alliance between leading global publisher Simon & Schuster and Author Solutions, LLC. For more information about publishing your book with Archway Publishing, please visit archwaypublishing.com or call 888-242-5904. For the latest news, follow @ArchwayPub on Twitter and "Like" us at facebook.com/ArchwayPublishing.

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