Book: Exit West

"Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid is a poignant, beautifully crafted novel that explores the themes of migration, love, and the human longing for connectivity amidst chaos. Set against the backdrop of an unnamed country on the brink of civil war, the story follows Nadia and Saeed, two young lovers whose blossoming relationship is tested by the unrest around them. As violence escalates, they discover mysterious doors that can transport them to different parts of the world, offering a chance at escape but also confronting them with new challenges and identities.

Hamid’s narrative seamlessly blends reality with elements of magical realism, creating a richly layered experience that reflects the fluidity of borders and the universal desire for a better life. Through Nadia and Saeed’s journey across continents—from the Middle East to the Greek islands, to a London teetering on its own edge of change, and beyond—the novel captures both the intimacy of personal relationships and the enormity of global displacement. "Exit West" is a compelling meditation on the transformative power of love and the transient nature of human existence.