This research article aims to analyse and discuss the themes of death, grief, and displacement in Isabel’s story in the novel *Refugee* written by Alan Gratz. This novel, which is set in the context of the Cuban refugee crisis of 1994, is a narrative of Isabel’s quest for freedom and, at the same time, a narrative of her coming to terms with death. This paper argues that while Isabel’s quest for freedom is a dominant theme, the death of a loved one while crossing the sea to freedom is a major factor that shapes Isabel’s character. This paper aims to analyze and discuss Isabel’s character development and how the death of a loved one is a major factor that shapes her character. Displacement, in this novel, is not just a simple act of migration but a complex and difficult experience that shapes the character of Isabel. This paper aims to show that while Isabel is granted freedom, this freedom is granted at a great cost.