Exit West

Another title which I'm seeing on many “best of 2017” lists. This one lived up to my expectations though. In one sense, it's a gritty examination of a city in an unnamed nation, to which war gradually creeps. Against this impending doom is the hopefulness of a new love relationship of a young man and woman. While I found the ebb and flow of their relationship as of secondary interest, it is a good frame for a war and a fantasy story.

I rate this novel highly as it falls right into the type of fantasy which I like the most - a world much like our own, but with an intriguing, not necessarily explained twist. In the world of this novel, ordinary doors inexplicably become portals transporting those who enter to suddenly exit through other doors throughout the world. These become the simple means to move refugees of war - specifically the two lovers - to new locations, first in refugee camps and eventually London and San Francisco.

The writing is poetic and almost lyrical at times as the author deftly juxtaposes the ugliness of war and the beauty of young, blossoming love. Aside from the engrossing writing, the most fascinating aspect of the alternate world for me is how these doors allow a new mobility for people and consequently the new politics and social structures which result. As I mentioned in another review here, it makes for a world which is thought provoking and therefore one I'd like to explore further in a sequel.