Exit West

by Mohsin Hamid
Exit West cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Magical Realism
Technical:
  • ID: 697
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780241290095
  • Publisher: Hamish Hamilton
  • Published: 2017-02-27
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Exit West is a captivating tale of love and migration in an unnamed country on the brink of civil war. The story follows Saeed and Nadia, who meet and fall in love in an increasingly unstable city. As the violence escalates, they discover magical doors that transport people to distant lands, offering an escape from the chaos. Their journey takes them through various countries, each with its own challenges and opportunities, as they grapple with the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human experience in a globalized world. The novel is praised for its lyrical prose and exploration of timely themes such as migration, displacement, and the universal search for connection. It blends magical realism with contemporary issues, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers.

Reviews
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.

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

Sumaiyya Reads · Sumaiyya · 2017-03-21
Profound 3.50

The novel is not a traditional love story but a profound exploration of migration and its impact on relationships. It is praised for its delicate portrayal of young love amidst chaos.

Sumaiyya notes that this is not a typical love story with war as a backdrop but rather a profound exploration of migration and its impact on relationships. They appreciate the delicate portrayal of young love amidst the chaos of war and displacement. The novel is seen as a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the refugee experience.

Quick quotes

    EXIT WEST is not the book to read if you're looking for a love story with war as the backdrop

    Hamid employs the delicacy of a young love

    a terribly present and prescient fable of refugees and migrants

The Guardian · Andrew Motion · 2017-03-02
Brilliant 4.50

The novel impresses with its clarity and restraint, confirming the author's reputation for brilliant storytelling. It offers a poignant exploration of migration and love.

Andrew Motion praises the novel for its clear and restrained prose, which effectively captures the complexities of migration and love. He highlights the author's skill in ventriloquism, making the story both compelling and deeply moving. The novel is seen as a powerful fable that resonates with contemporary issues, offering a unique perspective on the refugee experience.

Quick quotes

    The mixture of clarity and restraint in such passages is very impressive

    confirms Hamid's reputation as a brilliant ventriloquist

    a terribly present and prescient fable of refugees and migrants

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