Exit West

by Mohsin Hamid
Exit West cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 697
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780241290095
  • Publisher: Hamish Hamilton
  • Published: 2017-02-27
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4

In an unnamed country on the brink of civil war, Saeed and Nadia, two young lovers, find themselves caught in the crossfire of social upheaval and political instability. As the city descends into chaos, they decide to flee, joining the waves of migrants seeking safety and a better future in distant lands. Their journey is marked by both hope and despair, as they confront the realities of displacement, identity, and the enduring power of human connection. Through lyrical prose and a deeply human perspective, Mohsin Hamid explores themes of migration, identity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The novel masterfully blends the personal with the political, offering a powerful meditation on what it means to leave home and to seek a new life elsewhere.

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

Literary Elephant · 2017-08-26
thought-provoking 4.20

The style of writing in Exit West is hard to describe, but I find it compelling. The narration is third-person, and focused generally on Saeed.

The reviewer finds the writing style in Exit West compelling and unique, with a third-person narration that focuses on Saeed. They appreciate the novel's exploration of complex relationships and the human experience in the face of adversity. The reviewer also notes the novel's magical realism elements, which add a layer of depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    The style of writing in Exit West is hard to describe, but I find it compelling.

    The narration is third-person, and focused generally on Saeed, providing a unique perspective on the events unfolding.

    The novel's magical realism elements add a layer of depth to the story, making it a unique and thought-provoking read.

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

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