Exit West

Saeed and Nadia meet in a war torn country on the edge of an explosive civil war. Ironically, as their city falls to pieces they try to continue with normal daily living of work, school and going to the market. Saeed notices Nadia in class one evening and invites her out for coffee. She is covered in a floor length black robe and Saeed is both shocked and in awe when she accepts and drives away on her motor scooter. He is instantly intrigued by this independent woman.  As their friendship grows Saeed and Nadia become obsessed with the rumor of hidden doors that are said to exist throughout the city as a means to escape. When the city becomes too dangerous to navigate any longer, food and electric are scarce and phone service disappears along with the internet, this young couple search out the door. Quickly slipping into another world to save their lives and for better or worse change them forever. In a Narnia sort of way these doors symbolize the migration of citizens from all over the world. This migration reflects the very real immigration issues faced today where people leave family, jobs and homes behind with the hope that a future still exists for them and their children. This beautifully written story follows the couple searching for an existence and their emotional and physical struggles when their entire world is torn apart. These people are a burden to other countries. How dare they cross the invisible lines called borders. In these countries they enter people are shocked that they cannot assimilate and dismantle everything they have ever known more quickly. They are lost, scared and desperate. They find security in groups, in numbers, with people most similar to themselves. Together they beg for a chance while the nativists push back. Sound familiar? I am not merely recommending this book. I am saying everyone must read this book.