Exit West

by Mohsin Hamid
Exit West cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 697
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9789386495013
  • Publisher: Random House India
  • Published: 2018-03-01
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4

Exit West is a beautifully crafted novel that intertwines a love story with a broader narrative about the state of the world and its potential future. The story revolves around Nadia, a fiercely independent woman with a sharp wit, and Saeed, a kind and shy man who uses his balcony for stargazing. As their city descends into chaos, their love blossoms, providing a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil. The novel explores themes of migration, identity, and the human spirit, offering a poignant and thought-provoking read. /n/n Written by the bestselling, Man Booker-shortlisted author of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Exit West is a heartfelt and imaginative tale that challenges readers to consider the world as it is and as it could be. The novel's unique blend of realism and magical realism creates a compelling narrative that is both timely and timeless.

Reviews
Your Impossible Voice · 2025-12-14
prescient 4.00

The novel reads like a prescient fable of refugees and migrants, exploring themes of love, family, and the complexities of borders and war.

The reviewer describes the novel as a terribly present and prescient fable, delving into the lives of refugees, migrants, and natives. The story explores the intricacies of love, family, and the challenges posed by borders and war. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to capture the essence of these themes in a way that feels both personal and universal. The narrative's depth and relevance make it a standout piece of contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    The novel reads like a terribly present and prescient fable of refugees and migrants and natives, of lovers and families, of borders and war and all the ways we ...

    The story explores the intricacies of love, family, and the challenges posed by borders and war.

    The narrative's depth and relevance make it a standout piece of contemporary literature.

The Exiled Soul · 2020-05-24
resonant 4.50

The novel provides one of the best depictions of the complex relationship between two kindred souls trying to navigate life together, set against the backdrop of war and migration.

The reviewer highlights the novel's exceptional portrayal of the intricate dynamics between two lovers navigating life's challenges together. They appreciate how Hamid captures the nuances of their relationship, making it relatable and deeply moving. The reviewer also notes the novel's timely exploration of war and migration, which adds layers of depth to the story. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for Hamid's ability to create a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative.

Quick quotes

    This tale provides one of the best depictions of complex relationship between two kindred souls trying to walk the path of life together.

    The novel's exploration of war and migration adds layers of depth to the story.

    Hamid captures the nuances of their relationship, making it relatable and deeply moving.

The Quiet Pond · 2019-03-29
immersive 4.20

The writing style is compelling, using stream of consciousness and run-on sentences to create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative. It is a profound exploration of the refugee experience and displacement.

The Quiet Pond's reviewer finds the writing style in Exit West to be compelling and immersive. They appreciate the use of stream of consciousness and run-on sentences, which add a unique and engaging dimension to the narrative. The reviewer highlights the novel's profound exploration of the refugee experience and displacement, offering a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. They particularly note the book's ability to capture the emotional and psychological aspects of migration, making it a powerful and unforgettable story. The reviewer also praises the novel's lyrical prose and its ability to blend magical realism with contemporary issues, creating a rich and immersive narrative.

Quick quotes

    Personally, I loved the writing style. Across the story, Hamid uses stream of consciousness and run-on sentences, which can be exhausting and ...

    The novel offers a profound exploration of the refugee experience and displacement, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

    Hamid's lyrical prose and seamless blending of magical realism with contemporary issues create a rich and immersive narrative.

CHA Journal Blog · 2018-12-12
Lyrical 4.00

The lyrical and simple language of the novel stands out, making the story both beautiful and impactful. It is praised for its emotive and straightforward narrative.

The reviewer was struck by the lyrical quality of the language, which makes the story sound beautiful and simple in their head. They appreciate the emotive and straightforward narrative, which effectively conveys the complexities of the characters' journey. The novel is seen as a poignant exploration of love and migration, with a unique and compelling voice.

Quick quotes

    how lyrical the words sounded in my head

    how beautifully simple

    a terribly present and prescient fable of refugees and migrants

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