Sharon Bala's debut novel, 'The Boat People,' chronicles the harrowing journey of hundreds of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who arrive in Vancouver seeking asylum. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Mahindan, a refugee desperate to build a new life; Priya, a reluctant Sri Lankan-Canadian lawyer; and Grace, the adjudicator haunted by her own family's past. The novel delves deep into the complexities of the refugee system, exploring profound themes of trauma, prejudice, identity, and the universal human quest for safety and a place to call home.