Exit West
Hamid, MohsinExit West begins as many 'boy meets girl' stories do but, coming from a Middle Eastern country where civil war is starting to bite, Nadia and Saeed face challenging times. As their besieged city starts to disintegrate, they join thousands of others, fleeing through mysterious doorways to unknown destinations and uncertain futures.
In this powerful and thought-provoking story of a world on the move, Nadia and Saeed's journey exemplifies the experience of refugees, of loss and dislocation and the haunting, hopeful possibility of finding one's place in the world. [Larger font]
Pages
229
229
Year
2017
2017
Reviews
28-07-2022
Exceptionally clever writing. Disturbing content and concepts. Food for thought for the world's future. Very astute account of what it is like to be a refugee.
02-08-2021
This book was seen, by the group, as a literal account of how migrants and refugees travel around looking for a welcome haven. There was confusion in the discussion as to where the doors fitted in! It took 3 of our members to explain that maybe it was an allegorical approach to the actual travel, the focus being on the lives and the unknown that various people faced. I personally loved the book with the sometimes poetical descriptions of the surroundings and the behaviour of the two main characters as their relationship intensified then changed...
14-06-2021
We all liked this book, except one person who felt the 'doors' concept didn't match the story genre.
27-01-2021
Great book discussion. Loved the use of metaphors.
27-11-2020
A mixed response to this book from our group. Those that suspended expectations enjoyed the book. We felt it necessary to just go with the flow and not fret about detail such as how the doors of escape worked. Basically a study of a dystopian future as a result of massive displacement of people.
23-10-2020
Only two members of our group found 'Exit-West' gripping and illuminating. A chronicle for our times! We were riveted by the dispassionate eye-of-god narrative style. Others found the book rather frustrating and ambiguous, the realism and fantasy mix confusing.
04-09-2020
Interesting read, maybe not as "astonishing" or "stunning" as the blurb. The group enjoyed the differences between the two main characters, and some of us liked the fantasy elements.
26-08-2020
We were mystified by the 'open door' technique that the author employed, but felt it lent a fairy tale quality to the story. Most of us didn't find it a story that we enjoyed. We viewed a YouTube video with the author that added to our understanding and appreciation of his writing.
24-06-2020
Not all members enjoyed this book, but it did generate a good discussion. Our thoughts were varied - some would have preferred more factful text.
10-06-2020
The book was enjoyed, although a few thought the 'magical' portal to the West was a bit contrived. It was beautifully written - an easy read and very thought provoking.