Luster

by Raven Leilani
Luster cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 1099
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781529073393
  • Publisher: Picador
  • Published: 2021-06-08
  • Formats: 19
  • Reviews: 4

Edie is a young black woman navigating the complexities of modern life, from her dead-end job to her failed passion for painting. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Eric, a white, middle-aged archivist with an open marriage and an adopted black daughter. As Edie becomes increasingly involved in Eric's family, she must navigate the shifting landscapes of sexual and racial politics. Luster by Raven Leilani is a painfully funny and surprisingly tender exploration of what it means to be young in today's world. The novel delves into the intricacies of relationships, identity, and the search for meaning. Edie's journey is both humorous and heart-wrenching, offering a raw and unflinching look at the challenges faced by young women of color. With its sharp wit and poignant storytelling, Luster is a debut that captivates and provokes thought.

Reviews
Litro Magazine · Katy Carr · 2022-11-14
exciting 4.75

The reviewer urges readers not to miss this exciting debut, highlighting its razor-sharp prose and tender moments.

Katy Carr from Litro Magazine emphasizes the importance of not overlooking Luster, describing it as an exciting and impactful debut. She praises the novel's razor-sharp prose and its ability to balance dark humor with moments of surprising tenderness. Carr finds the story to be a captivating exploration of youth and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, making it a must-read for contemporary literature enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    Raven Leilani's Luster is a debut that demands attention.

    The novel's razor-sharp prose cuts through the noise of modern life.

    Luster is a story that will stay with you long after the last page.

Julia's Books · Julia · 2021-07-15
insightful 4.00

The novel is a deep dive into psychological tension and the journey of a young woman finding her voice through art. It's praised for its insightful character development and compelling narrative.

Julia finds the novel to be a compelling exploration of psychological tension and personal growth. She highlights the protagonist's journey as particularly insightful, noting how the character evolves from someone who expresses herself through others to finding her own voice through art. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to capture the complexities of young adulthood and the struggles that come with it.

Quick quotes

    It is a novel about psychological tension and about the growth of a young woman into someone able to express herself through art and not just through her relationships.

    Leilani's writing is both provocative and tender, making for a deeply engaging read.

    The novel's exploration of self-discovery and artistic expression is both relatable and inspiring.

The Guardian · 2020-12-26
powerful 4.25

The novel offers a stark portrayal of a young woman's life in a grimy metropolis, highlighting her struggle for stability and affection. It's praised for its unflinching honesty and powerful writing.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's raw and unfiltered look at the struggles of a young woman trying to find her place in a harsh world. The writing is described as powerful and evocative, capturing the essence of modern life with a stark honesty that resonates deeply. The novel's exploration of themes like stability and tenderness is particularly noteworthy, making it a standout debut.

Quick quotes

    Luster is a cold, hard look at life in a dirty 21st-century metropolis for a struggling young woman craving stability and tenderness.

    This is a novel that doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of modern life.

    Leilani's writing is exceptional, capturing the raw emotions and struggles of her protagonist with remarkable clarity.

NPR · 2020-08-23
engaging 4.50

The novel is noted for its sharp wit and dark humor, offering a fresh perspective on the millennial experience. It's praised for its boldness and unique narrative voice.

The reviewer at NPR highlights the novel's sharp wit and dark humor as standout features, making it a unique and engaging read. They appreciate the fresh perspective it offers on the millennial experience, noting that the novel is both hilarious and provocative. The reviewer finds the protagonist's journey to be both relatable and entertaining, making it a memorable debut.

Quick quotes

    Don't fret — Luster isn't a preachy novel. In fact, it is often the opposite; a hilarious and kinky story about what it's like to be young right now.

    Leilani's writing is razor-sharp, with a wit that cuts through the complexities of modern life.

    The novel's dark humor and bold narrative make it a standout in contemporary literature.

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