New Release Tuesday: Love and Ruin by Paula McLain

I didn't want to cause trouble; I only knew what I knew. That Ernest could eclipse me, as large as any sun without even trying. 

Paula McLain's latest biological fiction novel returns to a familiar subject for the author, Ernest Hemingway - or more accurately one of his wives. And while the novel is a lush and evocative retelling of Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway's love affair - the best word I can think of to describe it is languid.

At the beginning of the novel we're introduced to Martha Gellhorn, a spirited young woman with aspirations to be a writer. She's spent some time jaunting around Europe, has written a failed book and is now working on another. Marty is an interesting enough character on her own, but her story wouldn't be complete without Hemingway's larger than life persona - their affair, marriage and artistic competitiveness, the last of which ultimately lead to the demise of their relationship.

This book is beautifully written, the descriptions of Spain and especially Cuba are vivid to the point of verging on atmospheric. McLain does an absolutely spellbinding job of creating a real sense of place and time in her work. It's a truly engrossing novel that swept me away with Ernest and Marty. That said, this book is a languorous retelling of Gellhorn and Hemingway's lives together that seems to linger just a little bit more than it should at points.

Fans of McLain's earlier work should enjoy this story, told from the perspective of Hemingway's third wife - one who was not content to simply be a domestic accessory and instead demanded to stand on her own as a person and a writer. She's an admirable subject, and I felt in many ways the woman in whom Hemingway met his match. Hemingway was said to be a charismatic man - who was not known to be kind to women. He was a serial cheater who happened to be a brilliant writer. For someone like Martha Gellhorn, a young aspiring writer with her sights set on a successful career of her own, it's easy to see how she fell in love with Hemingway. It's just as easy, though, to see how she found herself in his shadow - eclipsed by his work. McLain does such an extraordinary job of allowing us inside Martha's head - sharing her insecurities, her triumphs and sadness with such ease. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world through her lens.

I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction who enjoy character driven novels that read like a letter from a friend. I'm excited to see what Paula McLain does next.

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for providing a free advanced egalley for me to review. 

All thoughts are my own. 

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

The Fire by Night by Teresa Messineo

"Maybe God was in the emptiness, in the cold and pain and despair. Maybe finding Him there would be faith. Maybe even imagining He could be there was hope."
- The Fire by Night by Teresa Messineo

3.5-4 stars for Teresa Messineo's debut novel. I really enjoyed this book - it was well written, emotionally engrossing and an incredible tribute to the women who served their country on the front lines during WWII.

I feel like I've read a lot of WWII historical fiction - it's one of my favorite time periods in my favorite genre, so I think I have a fairly good grasp on the books that are out there and I haven't read anything like this before. If I had to give a comparison - there are a lot of parts that reminded me of Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken and the movie Pearl Harbor. I would like to say that the synopsis references The Nightingale and I would steer readers away from the comparison because the only piece that felt similar was the use of the dual narrative.

The story follows two women who become best friends during their training as nurses. When they are deployed, Kay finds herself in the tropical paradise of the South Pacific, while Jo travels to North Africa and Europe. As the novel goes on Kay narrates from Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Phillipines - describing the horrors of Japanese internment in the South Pacific and the astronomical loss of human life to disease and starvation.

Jo, after traveling through Europe and Africa, is stranded in a field tent somewhere in occupied France. She's the last of the medical staff and with six injured men on her hands she's fatigued mentally and physically.

Of the two, I was more interested in Jo's story it seemed to move a little quicker than Kay's and I was more drawn into her role in taking care of her charges.

This novel really explores the physical and mental trauma of war, the sacrifice and bravery of all who were part of it - but does an wonderful job of bringing to light the terrible sacrifice of the women nurses who usually seem to be a side story in books about this topic. It gave me a whole new appreciation for combat nurses.

The only reason this wasn't a solid four/five star read for me was that there were disjointed parts of the narrative (I understand why the author did this, but it detracted from my reading experience) and the pacing felt stalled at times. Otherwise, it was very well done.

TW: Rape, graphic violence

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“People have so closely followed the most intricate details of the fake story of my life.”  

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was sent to me by Booksparks as part of their summer reading challenge. It was one of my most anticipated books of the summer (I’m a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid – I really enjoyed One True Loves – see my review here) and it is probably one of my favorite books this year.

Hollywood legend, Evelyn Hugo, recounts her seven marriages for her memoir. The memoir is to be published posthumously – and having the rights to publish it would be any aspiring writer’s dream. When Monique Grant, an inexperienced journalist with big dreams, is given the incredible opportunity to write Evelyn Hugo’s memoir, she can’t believe it.

Told in chronological order of her marriages - beginning with husband number one and moving through husband number seven, Evelyn recounts her journey from humble beginnings in Hells Kitchen to Oscar gold. She’s unabashedly unapologetic and opportunistic in her endeavors –exchanging her virginity for a ride to Hollywood, a string of strategic marriages prompted by Hollywood executives, hiding her Cuban roots by bleaching her hair blonde and using her body as a means to move up the Hollywood ladder – every facet of Evelyn’s life is rife with triumph and tragedy.

Review: Nyxia by Scott Reingten

Okay - I'll be completely honest with you all, this book took me forever to finish. Sometimes that's not so bad because I'm just not in the mood to read or another book catches my eye. But in this case, I just couldn't get into the first 50% of this book for whatever reason.

Scott Reintgen is a proficient writer, and all the elements are there for this to be a standout series. Let me explain, at this point Nyxia is a decent debut effort - it's sort of unique I suppose and the writing isn't bad, the author has given us a very diverse cast of characters that all seem to have one thing in common - but the pacing is all over the place and the plot is fairly predictable and what's worse is that it's very repetitive - which is what I think caused me to lose interest. The MC is likeable and I feel like teens will want to root for Emmett - but here's the thing; this novel feels like it's entirely a set up for the second and third installments in a series.

Book Review: The Star Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

Initially I started this book with the audio version - but for some reason I just could not get into it!
So I switched to the actual printed book. I am so happy that I read this.

Wow.

Roshani Chokshi is a masterful sorceress of story-telling. The Star Touched Queen is an exquisitely wrought tale of love, loss, and rebirth. I absolutely adore this book.

Maya is a daughter of the Raja of Bharata. Born with a horoscope that spells out misery and death for all she comes in contact with, Maya is a pariah amongst the harem wives and the court of her father. When the raja arranges a wedding for Maya in order to hopefully quell a costly war between Bharata and its neighboring kingdoms, things go wrong.

Book Review: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

“In the north, the wind had teeth that bit after sunset, even in summer."

This is one of my favorite books of 2017.

A dazzling folkloric fairytale best suited for an evening curled up with hot cider and a blanket.
I love fairytales, and I'm not talking about the versions Disney served up to me as a child. What I love about most fairytales is that they tend to lean towards the darkness with interesting characters and lessons to be learned. I find that fairytales of today too often resemble their Disney depictions and veer away from their roots - but not this one.

In a small village on the outskirts of the wilderness in the depth of winter harshness, there is a house where the spirits are respected and tales are told of Frost demons to whom young maidens are sent.

Book Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

“Why do we desire, above all other things, that which has the greatest power to destroy us?”

Margaret Rogerson’s debut novel, An Enchantment of Ravens was one of my most anticipated fall fantasy novels. The prose is lovely and the story is wonderful - but I knew from about half way through the book that the ending was what would ultimately make it or break it for me. I’ll tell you now, I found it to be quite satisfactory.

Let me explain; with some books I know that I’ll rate them highly at the mid-way point. Others, the end defines the experience for me. And this is the type of book that I needed it to end in a way that would either surprise me or evoke an emotional shit-storm for it to be more than just an average, well written debut novel. I’m not sure if I’m the only person who is like this – but a couple of my all-time favorite books are gorgeously written, but the endings really seal the deal and make it a favorite for me (EX: The Night Circus – which has my heart forever). I’m happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised with how this book turned out, and while I won’t gush or wax poetic about this story it did rank about 3.5 - 4 stars for me.

New Release: The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey

Happy Release day R.S. Grey!

As many of you are aware, I really enjoy Rachel's books. If you're looking for a steamy contemporary NA - she writes some of the best. Her books are compulsively readable - once you start you can't seem to stop reading them.

Today her latest book, The Fortunate Ones, is available for you on Amazon and what's even better is that if you're an Amazon Kindle Unlimited member you can read the book for free (no this post is not sponsored by Amazon - I just like to share a good deal when I see one).

Thank you to R.S. Grey for sending me an advanced review copy of this novel!

I feel like R.S. Grey is one of those authors who has a lane - she's really good at writing witty NA Romantic Comedies that you can read quickly. Her books are the type that you read on an airplane or as a rebound from some dark literary fiction. While I don't particularly love everything in the NA genre - I do love R.S. Grey's books, she's one of the writers in this genre that gets everything right.

Like Anything You Can Do and The Foxe and the Hound, The Fortunate Ones is a steamy rom-com full of witty one liners and off the charts chemistry.

Happy Halloween: Stalking Jack the Ripper & Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Happy Halloween Everyone! 

I've got some spooky reviews for your all hallows eve today! 

So grab some of that Halloween candy I know you've stashed away and pick up one of these gothic Victorian tales!

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Audrey Rose Wadsworth is a little different than your average Victorian high bred lady. She'd rather cut into a cadaver than attend a tea party. She secretly apprentices to her uncle who is a forensic scientist and often sneaks away to join him in his lab. Attending classes on the subject (disguised as a boy) she meets the enigmatic Thomas Cresswell - her uncle's star student.
When her uncle's lab begins to investigate a string of murders - their mangled corpses crowding the lab - Audrey finds herself drawn to the search for the murderer.

This book easily makes one of my top books for this year and will definitely be claiming a special place on my "favorites" shelf. I absolutely loved this historical fiction take on a Sherlock meets Jack the Ripper murder mystery.

First, I want to say that this book rates so highly for me because of the characters and character development. Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell are perfect together. They have the best banter (reminds me of those old timey moves when dialogue was actually clever) and are so fun to watch sleuth their way through solving the mystery of Leather Apron.

May I also say, that while the whole thought of forensic science/cadavers just totally icks me out - I LOVE that Audrey Rose is so passionate about science. She's definitely an anomaly for her day and I love that so much about her. I also love that she's independent and completely capable without the men in her life. They simply add to her story as supporting characters.

I think what I liked best about this book though is that it's just plain fun. It's well written, the characters are great and it's just a fun story overall. And to be honest, I really needed that! If you're looking for some fun entertaining reading material, I highly recommend.

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Hunting Prince Dracula

Picking up where Stalking Jack leaves off - Audrey Rose and Thomas leave London to attend an exclusive forensics school in the depths of Romania - land of the Dracul family. The school is in the famed castle of Vlad Dracula. When students of the school begin to die and the corpses turn up entirely drained of blood, Audrey Rose and Thomas once again find themselves investigating the sinister. Only this time it appears that vampires are afoot.

Okay, so from the descriptions I will be the first to admit that these books did not seem to be in my wheel house. They seemed to be kind of cheesy and also corpses and autopsies and blood. But I LOVED these books and I am eagerly anticipating the next one. Kerri Maniscalco is so good at writing her characters - and while the plotting is fast paced - the characters really captured me. Cresswell and Wadsworth make a great team and their banter is fantastic.

Plot wise - this book is similar to the first. It centers around a series of murders and with the mystery of figuring out who is responsible the central plot point. The characters face a number of challenges, Audrey Rose's primary challenge is bending traditional gender roles. This gothic Victorian novel is equal parts spooky and fun making it perfect for your Halloween reading list.

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Book Review: Warcross by Marie Lu

Well this was just fantastic!

I finished this book and immediately thought to myself, "Why have I not read more of Marie Lu's books? And what are we going to do now?!"
The entire time I'm finishing this up and thinking of the song "Bad Blood" - because T Swift was right, now we've got problems and I don't know how we're going to solve them.
This is everything I could want in a book. Literally everything.

Marie Lu creates a vibrant, action packed world in which virtual reality reigns supreme and everyone's a player. With a dynamic cast of characters that represent a diverse group of people from many walks of life set in a futuristic Tokyo, this book is a perfectly paced and plotted trip into a neon world brimming with possibilities. Marie Lu's vivid imagery brings the world of Warcross to life in a way that is just mind bending. I loved every second.

Here's what it's about:

Book Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for a copy of the e-book for review!

Ryan Graudin's latest novel falls somewhere between a time travel odyssey and sci-fi opera.
Here's what you can expect:

• There is a special corps of time travelers who can journey to different historical time periods in order to record history accurately.
• A lot of this book takes place jumping around from time to time in a time traveling spaceship(?) called Invictus.
• Our heroes are a ragtag band of friends who jump through time to different historical events and places to heist priceless antiquities. For example, the Titanic.
• There is a red panda. 

Farway Gaius McCarthy wants one thing, to live the most exciting life he can.
Called Far by his friends, he is the son of a historical recorder and a gladiator, born aboard the time traveling ship between time periods in history.
Determined to become a recorder like his mother, Empra McCarthy, Far attends the Academy hoping to live up to his famous mother's name. But when his final simulation glitches and he fails spectacularly he finds himself thrown out of the Academy with no job or prospect of working for the corps in sight.

BookSparks Fall Reading Challenge: Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle

. 

Thank you Booksparks for sending me a copy of this book!

Happy Monday!

Booksparks sent me some extra credit reading and it didn't disappoint. I had heard of Glennon Doyle (Elizabeth Gilbert has talked about her on her podcast - Magic Lessons, her book is an Oprah's book club title) but I had yet to read anything by her. This week I'm talking about Glennon Doyle's bestselling memoir, in which she shares her own experiences with drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity, mothering, self acceptance and how she learned to love herself and become a love warrior for those around her.

Book Review: Lincoln In The Bardo, George Saunders

To be entirely honest with everyone, I have mixed feelings about this book.

On the one hand, I can appreciate a piece of literature that is unique and so profoundly creative that I have to give credit to the author for its invention.

On the other, I found the format and narration of this novel to be so incredibly confusing that it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.

So while I can appreciate that this book is absolutely worthy of critical acclaim - I cannot wholly say that I enjoyed it. George Saunders is an excellent writer, and I have not read anything like this before, but I'll tell you this, Lincoln in the Bardo is the type of book that you will love or greatly dislike.

BookSparks Pop Up Blog Tour: Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza

Thank you Booksparks for sending me a copy of this fun book to review! 

Janey Sweet has three months to lose thirty pounds - or she's going to lose her job as CEO of one of the most exclusive bridal dress design companies in the world.
When her best friend and partner in the business tells her that she's gotten chubby and no longer is a good representation of their brand (the largest dress size they have is a 4) he gives her an ultimatum to lose weight or take a hike.

Thus begins her journey to becoming a fitter, healthier, better version of herself.
Three months of juice cleanses, topless yoga and health retreats to exotic islands should earn her the results she's looking for. Right?

Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza is a smart, sassy satire about the ways health and fitness fads are taken to the extreme. I found it to be refreshing, relatable and hilarious.

The Dream Keeper's Daughter by Emily Colin

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this amazing book!

Emily Colin's newest novel, The Dream Keeper's Daughter, is out now and if you're a fan of time travel and romance with elements of paranormal - you are going to love this book.

Eight years ago Isabel Griffin lost the love of her life. Now, she's doing the best she can to move on. She's an archaeologist - both well liked and respected by her peers - and a loving mother to her daughter, Finn. Isabel has persevered and worked hard to make a life for herself without Max; slowly burying the pain of losing him. All it takes to shatter everything Isabel believed to be true is one phone call.

Max Adair vanished with out a trace - leaving behind his pregnant girlfriend and family when he slips through time. Landing in 1816 Barbados at the estate of his ancestors, Max finds himself caught up in the turmoil of an impending slave rebellion that history shows caused mass destruction to the island and his family's sugar cane plantation.

BookSparks Pop Up Blog Tour: Lying to Children by Alex Shahla

Thank you to Booksparks for sending me a copy of this book to review as part of your #popupblog tour! 

Some books make you laugh, some make you cry.
Some hit your heart so hard and true they make you do both.

Alex Shahla's book, Lying to Children, will bring you to tears and it will make you laugh out loud. Written as a compilation of essays from a father to his grown children, it's a novel that is especially relatable to if you're a parent. Funnily enough, though, I don't think you need to be a parent to appreciate this book. It really reads as an open letter, unapologetic, poignant and deeply felt, from a father to his children. As I read it - I felt as if I could be that child and this book could be to me from my father (obviously his stories would be different and my father doesn't write books), but the emotions were felt keenly and this book spoke to me as a daughter.

Countering this - I am a mother and I found so many aspects of this book to be relatable, the love a parent feels for their child is powerful, exhausting and all consuming at times and Shahla conveys this with humor and honesty that settles into your heart. I loved the "lies" to the children; I felt that this perfectly captured the ways we as parents try to teach our children, keep them safe, and keep our sanity at the same time.

Easy to consume, this book reads quickly and in many ways reminded me of a show called, How I Met Your Mother, maybe you've heard of it? How coincidental then, is it that the show is actually referred to in this book? It's not entirely like the show, but the narration style and voice had me feeling those vibes - is there an audio version of this book? Because if there isn't, there should be and I would like to nominate Bob Saget to narrate. Or Chevy Chase - because there are some definite Clark Griswold moments here. At least I thought so.

If humorous, family based comedies are your thing - you will love this. If you are a parent - you will love this. If you're a child who has flown the coop and embarked on a life all your own - you will love this.

Buy It

Amazon

Friday Reads: The Foxe & The Hound by R.S. Grey

Everyone knows that I love a good Romantic Comedy. These are some of my favorite types of books, just because they're fun, light and entertaining. So when I'm looking for a good rom-com, one of my go to authors is R.S. Grey. She writes the best banter, loveable characters and just plain fun stories. Her last book, Anything You Can Do, is one of my favorites ever! You can find my review of it here.

So I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of her latest novel, The Foxe and the Hound. I had planned to read the book over Memorial Day, but couldn't wait and instead finished it the same day I received the galley. That's how fun her books are you guys!

The Foxe and the Hound is a standalone romantic comedy about Madeline Thatcher. If you read Anything You Can Do you'll remember her as Daisy's best friend and Lucas' sister. Both Daisy and Lucas made appearances in this book - so while you don't have to read their book first, I would because 1) It's hilarious and 2) Spoilers.

Madeline Thatcher is a hot mess.

Madeline is twenty seven, barely making her rent payments, single AF and just adopted a puppy that won't stop growing. Mouse, the not so little puppy, is a rambunctious mass of fluff and slobbery kisses. While Madeline loves the big goofy dog, she's a little behind on her obedience training with him and when he takes off to chase a squirrel on the way to the vet and knocks over a handsome stranger in the process, Madeline is horrified. Hopeful that she never sees him again.

Adam Foxe is not having a good day.

Adam Foxe recently moved to Hamilton, Texas and he hates it. Having taken up residency as the new veterinarian in town, he's trying to move on from his past and make the best of his current situation. Things were going alright, until he was mauled by a giant, unruly dog this morning on his way to work. His morning only goes downhill when he realizes that the dog that knocked him over and his pretty owner are his first patients of the day.

Awkward encounters and hilarious exchanges ensue as Adam and Madeline continually run into each other around town. Things really heat up when Adam makes a deal with Madeline - she comes to a family function with him as a date, he'll let her sell him a house. With rent overdue, and her job on the line - Madeline accepts but will they be able to stand each other long enough to actually close the deal?

This book was so much fun, and easily received a five star rating from me. I loved the banter between the characters, the moments in the book that actually had me laughing out loud, and the cute storyline that had me hooked from the beginning - I'm a sucker for anything with a lovable mutt in it! This is a perfect fun, flirty choice for your reading list this summer.

Buy It

Amazon 

New Release Tuesday: The Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

Sarah Tolscer's debut effort, Song of the Current, is a swashbuckling YA Fantasy that is non-stop fun!
Caroline Oresteia is the headstrong daughter of a wherryman. Having grown up on a small cargo vessel in the riverlands, she and her father travel from port to port delivering whatever it is they've been hired to transport. It's an adventurous life and Caro wants nothing more than to follow in her father's footsteps - to be blessed by the river god and live a wherryman's life on the river.

Our story begins with a pirate attack that leaves many a vessel burning in port; hired mercenaries seeking something valuable held within the port's keep. When her father is arrested by the harbor master on smuggling charges, Caro finds herself in a situation unlike any other she's been in. To free her father, she must deliver a mysterious box to a neighboring city. However, when it turns out that the cargo she's been hired to deliver is the same cargo that the pirates are seeking, a thrilling chase ensues as Caro must outmaneuver and keep hidden from the Black Dogs who pursue her.

Tolscer delivers a fast paced YA fantasy complete with mysterious shadowmen, a courier with a secret, plenty of intrigue, a little romance and a high stakes cat and mouse chase through the waters of the riverlands. Tolcser's cast of characters are a likeable bunch and many of the exchanges throughout the book are fun and engaging. The plot is well developed for a first novel, but leaves plenty to be explored in later volumes - which I'm hoping for! There were a few exchanges at later points in the book that I could have done without, but overall I felt the storyline was strong, the characters well developed and enjoyed the vivid descriptions of life on the water.

If you enjoy a unique, fast paced YA adventure you'll likely enjoy this book! I found it to be a fun addition to my summer reading list and anticipate the next installment!

Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley for providing me a ebook copy of this book for review. 

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound

New Release Tuesday & #SRC2017 In This Moment by Karma Brown

Karma Brown tackles some heavy themes in her latest work, In This Moment, releasing today. It's a gripping, emotional novel about the guilt we carry over time and how one incident can bring long buried feelings to the surface.

When Meg Pepper and her daughter Audrey wave Jack Beckett across the street after school one day, the last thing they expected was to witness a horrible and tragic accident take place right in front of them. Jack, Audrey's boyfriend's twin brother, is struck by a negligent driver as he crosses the street and in that moment, Meg's world is shattered. Racked by the guilt she feels for allowing Jack to cross the street, memories of another accident, long ago, begin to surface. As Meg processes her grief and guilt, she draws closer to Andrew - Jack's father, acting as his support and sounding board. But as she and Andrew spend more time together, Meg's world begins to spin off its axis impacting her family and friends.

You guys - this book is so well written! This is an emotional story that I believe readers of Emily Giffin and Liane Moriarty will enjoy. It's complex and left me with very mixed emotions about the characters in this story. But I think that's a good thing. This book was messy, so well written, but the characters' actions deserved the consequences they experienced in the book. In some ways, I feel like Meg could be a very relatable character to some. She feels overwhelmed with her family/work life, struggles to connect with her teenage daughter - who pushes her away (as teenagers are sometimes apt to do). I found myself to be a very intrigued fly on the wall to her story and I think others will too.

In this Moment is out today - go grab a copy and add this domestic drama to your summer reading list!

This book was part of Booksparks Summer Reading Challenge! Learn more about the challenge here!

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

Some books we read for entertainment, others we read for enlightenment. Some books are fast paced, entertaining chapter churning fun. Others are relevant, important and thought provoking.

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid is enlightening, relevant, and thought provoking. This book will not be for everyone – those who read solely for entertainment value will not enjoy this novel as much as readers who quietly contemplate the larger meaning of the text before them. Exit West examines the plight of the displaced and it is heart breaking and hopeful but most importantly, incredibly relevant.

It is the type of book everyone should read – but probably won’t.

 Set in an unnamed city at the edge of Civil War, Saeed and Nadia first meet in an evening class on Corporate Identity and Branding. They meet, he asks her to coffee, thus beginning a relationship both similar and dissimilar to any other budding courtship. They listen to music, send text messages, dream about traveling, explore each other and discuss the future. Yet their relationship is different from many, as their city falls into war and eventually they choose to leave – a part of a mass migration of people; displaced by man’s hunger for power and control.

The doors they pass through lead them to Greece, England and eventually the United States. They face opposition, loss, fear and hope as they journey from their homeland to one new land after another in hope of finding a place in the world where they may have safety and opportunity to begin afresh. The reader sees their relationship as it begins and as it shifts with time and experience. Their experience and growth beautifully captured with passages such as this:

”Every time a couple moves they begin, if their attention is still drawn to one another, to see each other differently, for personalities are not a single immutable color, like white or blue, but rather illuminated screens, and the shades we reflect depend much on what is around us.”

This is not a plot novel; its importance is not in the actual movement of the characters or development of their relationship, but rather the general themes and questions their movement evokes. It displays a unique literary structure – an omniscient narrator who keeps the reader at arm’s length and magical realism that straddles the line between fantasy and science fiction. Exit West does so much more than offer glimpses into the relationship between two people in a refugee camp who flee the war torn remnants of their homeland. It begs the reader to examine his or her own attitudes about immigration, colonialism, war, and human migration and the lens with which we view such people and institutions. My favorite chapter is about a woman, who having lived in the same house all her life, observes the coming and going of new people and despite her own stationary physical location realizes, “We are all migrants through time.”

This novel is a dazzling depiction of a modern dystopia that is alarmingly similar to a world we currently live in. It is a beautiful, yet ugly, frightening, yet hopeful, assessment of a world that could be not far into our future.

Buy it

Amazon | Barnes & Noble