Former President George W. Bush is set to publish a new book titled *The Call of Freedom* next spring, which aims to shed light on the struggles of individuals who face persecution for their political beliefs. This new work, announced on September 16, 2023, will feature not only the inspiring stories of these individuals but also 44 full-colour portraits painted by Bush himself.
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The book collates narratives of people from various backgrounds who have faced oppression due to their beliefs, religion, ethnicity, or gender. Notable figures included in the collection are Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, a Catholic bishop currently imprisoned in Nicaragua; Jina Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian activist who was tragically murdered in 2022; and Rushan Abbas, an advocate working tirelessly for the release of his sister, Gulshan Abbas, a Uyghur doctor detained by the Chinese authorities.
Accompanying the text is a foreword written by Natan Sharansky, a prominent author and former Soviet political prisoner, further emphasising the book’s thematic focus on the quest for freedom. As Bush seeks to illuminate these stories, he hopes they will serve as a reminder to those living in free societies about their moral obligation to support those who are deprived of liberty.
Crown Publishing will release *The Call of Freedom* in two print formats: a jacketed hardcover edition and a deluxe version that will be signed by Bush. An audiobook edition will also be made available through Penguin Random House Audio. In the lead-up to publication, Bush expressed his desire for the book not just to present compelling stories but also to inspire readers to reflect on the global state of democracy and human rights.
“The desire for freedom is universal,” Bush stated, adding that the book seeks to remind audiences that “it takes vigilance, perseverance, and the courage of ordinary people to achieve and sustain it.” Through his project, he aims to capture the faces and experiences of dissidents, enhancing public understanding of the adversities they encounter.
In a statement regarding the book, it was noted that Bush’s ongoing work with the George W. Bush Institute complements the themes explored in *The Call of Freedom*. The Institute is dedicated to promoting democracy and fostering opportunities globally, values that were central to Bush’s administration. During his presidency, he engaged with nearly 200 political dissidents, including influential figures such as Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama, experiences that have poignantly informed his current work.
Bush has previously authored several books, including his memoir, *Decision Points*, and a biography of his father, *41: A Portrait of My Father*. He has also released two other portrait collections, titled *Portraits of Courage* and *Out of Many, One*. *The Call of Freedom* is expected to be a continuation of this personal narrative style, whilst addressing significant contemporary issues.
The release of *The Call of Freedom* is scheduled for March 9, 2027, coinciding with a new public exhibition displaying the portraits at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. As anticipation builds around the book, it serves as a reminder of the persistent struggle for freedom faced by many across the globe.
Pre-orders for *The Call of Freedom* are currently available at various retailers, as Bush hopes that it will resonate deeply with readers and inspire action in defence of human rights.