Catalogue

BACK

Title:	Exit West
Authors:	Hamid, Mohsin
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	229
Year:	2017
Publisher:	Penguin Books
Language:	English
Description:	Exit 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]
Categories:	Fiction, Community, Dystopia/Futuristic, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Love story, Morals/Ethics, Political, 2020 Titles, Larger font

Reviews

[Please log in to write a review]

By: UPMO 003		2025-05-07 13:14:49

Interesting writing style, futuristic.... but with today's world challenges and so many refugees that it could in fact become a reality. Or has it already?

By: CHCH 299		2024-11-05 11:21:19

A mixed response from the group. Everyone agreed it was well-written, the characters were likeable and it was an interesting story, but most didn't really enjoy it and were unsure why. Possible reasons were the discordant use of the doors for the refugees to travel, or the occasional jumps into other stories, or the upsetting subject matter. Others found it an engaging read, loved the unusual narrative style and the writer's ability to establish a sense of time and place with a few well chosen words.

By: AUCK 135		2022-07-28 13:03:11

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.

By: KATIK 001		2021-08-02 10:06:01

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...

By: WHANG 022		2021-06-14 13:45:37

We all liked this book, except one person who felt the 'doors' concept didn't match the story genre.

By: WHAKA 010		2021-01-27 10:01:10

Great book discussion. Loved the use of metaphors.

By: AUCK 143		2020-11-27 14:18:06

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.

By: ALEXA 001		2020-10-23 14:29:08

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.

By: CHCH 043		2020-09-04 12:36:33

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.

By: HAMIL 026		2020-08-26 13:07:25

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.

By: HAMIL 034		2020-06-24 14:46:39

Not all members enjoyed this book, but it did generate a good discussion. Our thoughts were varied - some would have preferred more factful text.

By: MARTIN 004		2020-06-10 14:11:34

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.