'A terrific read.' Adrian Chiles
One man’s journey crossing continents from Africa to Europe
Eric Ngalle thought he was leaving Cameroon for a better life...
Instead of arriving in Belgium to study for a degree in economics he ended up in one of the last countries he would have chosen to visit – Russia.
Having seen his passport stolen, Eric endured nearly two years battling a hostile environment as an illegal immigrant while struggling with the betrayal that tore his family apart and prompted his exit.
This painfully honest and often brutal account of being trapped in a subculture of deceit and crime gives a rare glimpse behind the headlines of a global concern.
‘I, Eric Ngalle’ is an exploration of memory and trauma… it takes guts to tell all in this way… in these xenophobic times, when migrants and refugees are pilloried or vilified it is a useful corrective to read a story such as this, to appreciate the inner steel and simple survival skills necessary to make such journeys. Eric Ngalle says that Wales gave him back his name, his voice and his identity. In turn, he now works with other refugees helping them find their voices and redact their own stories… quintessential tales of our age, when war, oppression and poverty dispossess so many. In finding sanctuary migrants such as Ngalle also enrich society, as he has proved by his many contributions to Welsh cultural and civic life.’ Jon Gower, Nation.Cymru
‘Powerful and challenging... neki / nazromi / diolch!’ Ifor ap Glyn, National Poet of Wales
 Photo by Billie Charity
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Eric Ngalle Charles was born in Cameroon and has travelled widely, including a period living in Russia, where he learned Russian while seeking sanctuary. He eventually reached Wales, where he built a life and pursued his work as a writer and performer.
He studied Modern History and Popular Culture at Cardiff Metropolitan University, completed a Master's in Creative Writing at Swansea University, and received a Creative Wales Award from the Arts Council of Wales for his research into migration, memory and trauma. In 2026, he completed a PhD in Creative Writing at King’s College London, further developing his practice and research at the intersection of writing, migration, memory and lived experience.
His work has been featured by the BBC and performed at the Hay Literature Festival. Through his writing and performance, Eric Ngalle Charles explores themes of displacement, belonging, identity, memory and resilience. He lives in Cardiff and continues to work as a writer, performer and researcher.
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