Exit West - Mohsin Hamid - 5 stars and a ❤️

[Susie]

I'm being a bit cheeky adding this to April as I actually read it in March, but in my defense I started it in late March not realising that I would read it in 24 hours. I thought it would take me until April! So here I am, adding it here.

Gah. I loved this book so much. It was one of those 'go away children I am reading can't you see stop talking to me' kind of books. In an unnamed middle eastern country (I found myself thinking it was Syria) is on the brink of civil war, Saeed and Nadia fall in love. During their love affair they are forced to flee their country, leaving everything the know an love behind, for an unknown future. With a touch of magical realism, they are whisked to other places via magical doors. The novel follows their journey.

I found the writing beautiful and at times disturbing, and above all very important. Hamid has given a profoundly human face to the stories that flash across our news screens, and I for one am very glad to have experienced it through his skillful story telling. The magical realism didn't bother me in the slightest, as it sometimes can. I thought he used it as a way to concentrate less on the how of getting to safer places, and more on the experiences upon arrival. It was a very clever way to condense that aspect of the story.

Add me to the list of people who think this will make their top ten of 2017.

[Ladyslott]

I'm listening to it now and enjoying it, but I'm still in what I also thought was Syria. It's good but sounds like it's about to get better, because they haven't escaped yet.

[Olivermagnus]

I'm picking this up today. It wasn't on my radar until I saw all the great reviews here.

[Jennifer]

I've read so many good things this year. Can't wait to read this one!

[Amy]

I'm in the queue! Could be six months or next week!