A review of Marina Warner's book 'Sanctuary', which explores the concept of sanctuary in an age of global migration. Warner proposes that stories and narrative forms can create a new kind of 'sanctuary' for displaced people, fostering connections and understanding between 'arrivants' and hosts. The book draws on her career as a cultural historian, examining how allegorical forms and folk tales can have real-world consequences, exemplified by her 'Stories in Transit' project in Sicily.
Sanctuary by Marina Warner review – the power of stories in an age of migration
Society booksBooksMigrationRefugeesImmigration and asylumHistory books
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A review of Marina Warner's book 'Sanctuary', which explores the concept of sanctuary in an age of global migration. Warner proposes that stories and narrative forms can create a new kind of 'sanctuary' for displaced people, fostering connections and understanding between 'arrivants' and hosts. The book draws on her career as a cultural historian, examining how allegorical forms and folk tales can have real-world consequences, exemplified by her 'Stories in Transit' project in Sicily.
- 1 1950s: Marina Warner's childhood memory of 'Sanctuary' scene.
- 2 1976: Publication of 'The Virgin Mary'.
- 3 1981: Publication of 'Joan of Arc'.
- 4 1985: Publication of 'Monuments and Maidens'.
- 5 2015: Marina Warner wins Holberg prize and uses winnings to set up 'Stories in Transit'.
- The book challenges conventional understandings of sanctuary and migration.
- It proposes a new approach to integrating displaced people through shared narratives.
- It highlights the importance of allowing 'arrivants' to control their own stories for psychological well-being.
- The 'Stories in Transit' project demonstrates a practical application of Warner's theories.
What: Marina Warner's book 'Sanctuary' is reviewed, which meditates on the power of narrative to shape perceptions and experiences of home, especially for migrants. Warner proposes a new concept of sanctuary built on tales and their telling, rather than physical spaces. She argues that storytelling can act as a 'binding agent' between strangers and create spaces for justice and coexistence.
When: The book review was published on June 17, 2025. Warner's career spans 50 years, with her earliest books published in the 1970s and 1980s. The 'Stories in Transit' project was set up in 2015.
Where: The book's themes are global, focusing on migration worldwide. Specific locations mentioned include Sicily (Italy), the Middle East, the Maghreb, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the eastern Mediterranean, Guinea, and Gambia. The review is published in the UK.
Why: Warner seeks to address the challenges faced by millions of people displaced by environmental disaster, economic collapse, war, and political oppression. She believes that traditional forms of sanctuary are insufficient and that narrative can provide a new, more adaptable form of refuge and connection.
How: Warner explores the concept of 'sanctuary' through her extensive knowledge of liminal literature, fairytales, fables, and other folk forms. She applies Alfred Gell's concept of 'art as agency' to argue for the real-world consequences of storytelling. Her 'Stories in Transit' project facilitates story exchange between young male 'arrivants' and locals in Sicily, demonstrating her theory in practice.