Comments on: Exit West by Mohsin Hamid | Review

By: Madeline

Madeline — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 01:04:34 +0000

I could believe in SOME of the magical realism as I read it as a metaphor for immigrant escapes.

What didn’t work for me was the book overall. The narration was dry and I didn’t feel any relationship between Saeed and Nadia after they left their (unnamed) country. The whole episode in “dark London” struck me as bogus as did “poor Marin.” (Oh yeah, really?)

I’m befuddled how a 140 page book became such a slog. These two characters were one dimensional and even the ending didn’t salvage what was a complete snooze.

I’ve read 50+ books this year and am distressed at how bad so many are that are so heavily hyped.

By: Patricia @ A Viking In LA

Patricia @ A Viking In LA — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:49:53 +0000

I recently read Exit West as well and LOVED it. I went in kind of blind as I was unaware of the magical realism which would probably have prevented me from reading it. The magical realism was so subtle that it did not bother me at all. I even got to hear the author speak which was a great experience. I can understand how the audiobook narrated by the author himself would be special.

By: susan

susan — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 23:04:37 +0000

Nice review. I’m currently in the middle of reading this book right now. There are some thoughtful and pretty sentences in it. I plan to finish perhaps tomorrow & review. You did a nice job of summing it up!

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:10:40 +0000

In reply to Tara. Sounds like I need to check out that podcast! I'm in the middle of a longish audio book right now, but maybe when I finish that.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:09:01 +0000

In reply to Renee. Oh gosh! Let me know if you get a chance to read it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:07:50 +0000

In reply to Sarah’s Book Shelves.

It’s not at all heavy-handed on the immigration issue. It’s more that it’s there in the background of what happens to Nadia and Saeed. Only 240 pages…..

By: Renee

Renee — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:39:53 +0000

I returned this to the library unread because I found out there was magical realism which I don’t like at all. Your review has made me decide to get it back!! I’m kicking myself now for not trying it

By: Vicki

Vicki — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 14:48:14 +0000

First time hearing about this book, it sounds good.

By: Tara

Tara — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:23:14 +0000

I definitely had intended to start this one, on audio, this week but…I’m kind of hooked on the new S-Town podcast and I’m listening to it every chance I get! I’ll work on this one after I’ve finished! I’m so glad this novel worked well for you; I will give it a try!

By: Sarah's Book Shelves

Sarah's Book Shelves — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 11:42:09 +0000

I love that first line. But am still not psyched about this b/c of the magical realism…and the fact that “issue” books aren’t working with my brainspace right now.