The Horizon Line
A Story of Migration Between Bangladesh, Italy, and London
Francesco Matteuzzi author Francesco Della Puppa author Francesco Saresin author Clara Pope translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of Toronto Press
Published:3rd Mar '26
Should be back in stock very soon

An emphatic deep dive into the continual movement required of migrants, The Horizon Line studies a relatively recent and little-explored social and migratory phenomenon.
For about a decade, the somewhat unprecedented occurrence of double migration has been observed in Italian Bangladeshis engaging in a second move to London. Told through the lens of a fictionalized ethnographer and presented in the form of accessible and captivating comics, this book traces the concept of onward migration and the lives shaped by it.
Through interviews with Italian Bangladeshis who made the difficult decision to re-uproot their lives in search of better, social scientists and comic artists Francesco Della Puppa, Francesco Matteuzzi, and Francesco Saresin come together to highlight the joys and struggles of this new (e)migration. The authors offer insights on the dynamism of these “new Italian citizens.” and on the migration routes shaped by the continuous global transformations, and on the social, political, and economic situation of Italy and the Southern European countries. Moreover, by following the trajectories of Stefano the researcher, the book provides valuable insight into the modalities, processes, difficulties and turning points of conducting ethnographic research.
An essential contribution to migration studies, The Horizon Line gives voice to diasporic communities and sheds light on their most current trials and tribulations.
“I highly recommend this book. I found the idea of translating a rigorous ethnographic investigation into the accessible and engaging language of a graphic novel to be highly original and effective. I hope it will appeal to a wider readership than just specialists in the field.” - Maurizio Ambrosini, Professor of Sociology of Migration, University of Milan
“A beautiful graphic novel about twice migrants who have made profound personal sacrifices in search of a better life for themselves and their families. The Horizon Line has much to teach us about the endurance and adjustment required both by migration and ethnographic fieldwork. To be read for pleasure, or by students of migration, this book is a delight.” - Katy Gardner, Professor of Anthropology, London School of Economics, and Author of Global Migrants, Local Lives
“The Horizon Line is rare in both form and vision. It brings together serious academic research and accessible visual storytelling to make visible the lives of migrants who move not once, but twice - across Bangladesh, Venice, and beyond. By rendering complex journeys with clarity and empathy, this book allows readers to see migration not as abstraction, but as lived experience.” - Ruchira Gupta, Emmy-winning documentarian, founder of Apne Aap, and author of The Freedom Seeker and I Kick and I Fly
“The Horizon Line is an insightful visualization in a comic/ graphic novel form of the complexities of the everyday experiences and journeys of Italian Bangladeshis as they move from Italy to London in search of what they think will be better opportunities. And the researcher too offers his reflections on his own pathway in the unfolding of these events. So, congratulations to all the team in creating a wonderfully engaging and thoughtful book.” - Eleonore Kofman, Professor of Gender, Migration and Citizenship and Co-Director, Social Policy Research Centre, Middlesex University
“The Horizon Line is a powerful example of how artistic practice can be meaningfully integrated into academic research. By using comics and storytelling, this volume demonstrates that visual narratives are not merely illustrative but can function as valuable vessels of knowledge. This work challenges conventional academic approaches and enriches our understanding of the complex diasporic journeys navigated by Italian citizens of Bangladeshi descent.” - Angelica Pesarini, Assistant Professor of Italian Studies and Race and Cultural Studies/Race and Diaspora, University of Toronto
ISBN: 9781487559823
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 13mm
Weight: 420g
192 pages