Summary
Exit West is a critically acclaimed 2017 novel by Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid. Blending elements of magical realism with contemporary issues, it tells the story of Nadia and Saeed, two young lovers fleeing their war-torn country through mysterious doors that transport them to different parts of the world. While touching on themes of displacement and refugee experiences, East West ultimately offers a universal tale of human connection, love, and resilience in an ever-changing world. At once poignant and thought-provoking, the novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction.
Plot
In an unnamed city on the brink of civil war, two young students, Nadia and Saeed, meet and begin a romantic relationship. As violence engulfs their homeland, they hear rumors of mysterious doors that can transport people to other parts of the world. After Saeed's mother is killed by a stray bullet, Nadia moves in with him and his father.
As the situation in their city deteriorates, Nadia and Saeed decide to flee through one of the magical doors. They leave Saeed's father behind and emerge on the Greek island of Mykonos, joining other refugees in a tent city. With the help of a compassionate local girl, they soon pass through another door, arriving in London to find shelter with other migrants in an empty luxury home.
Tensions rise between the newcomers and native Londoners as more migrants arrive. The government eventually corrals the refugees into a restricted area with limited resources, called “Dark London.” After a violent incident, a compromise is reached where migrants can work to build “Halo London” in exchange for small plots of land. As Nadia and Saeed's relationship begins to strain, they decide to pass through another door to Marin County, California.
In California, Nadia and Saeed find a more welcoming environment but continue to grow apart. Nadia moves out and begins a relationship with a coworker, while Saeed becomes more religious and marries a local woman. The novel concludes 50 years later, with Nadia returning to her homeland and reuniting briefly with Saeed, who offers to take her stargazing in Chile someday.
Themes
Migration and displacement
Love and relationships in times of crisis
Identity and cultural adaptation
Technology and human connection
War and its impact on ordinary lives
The power of hope and resilience
Global politics and border tensions
Setting
Exit West unfolds in an unnamed city on the brink of civil war, evoking images of war-torn cities in the Middle East or South Asia. The story begins in this urban landscape, where the protagonists Nadia and Saeed navigate an increasingly volatile environment.
As the novel progresses, the setting expands to encompass various locations around the world. Through magical doors that serve as portals, the characters travel to the Greek island of Mykonos, London, and Marin County, California. This global backdrop allows Mohsin Hamid to explore themes of migration, displacement, and the search for belonging.
The era depicted in Exit West closely mirrors our current time, with references to modern technology and contemporary geopolitical tensions. While not explicitly stated, the story seems to take place in the present day or near future, reflecting the ongoing refugee crises and global migration patterns of the 21st century. This temporal setting adds urgency and relevance to the novel's exploration of human movement and the concept of borders in an increasingly globalized world.
Characters
Saeed: A gentle and restrained young man from an unnamed city on the brink of civil war. Saeed is more traditional and religious, living with his parents at the story's start. He falls in love with Nadia and navigates their journey through magical doors to escape conflict, struggling to maintain his identity and beliefs in new lands. His character arc shows how displacement affects relationships and personal growth.
Nadia: A fiercely independent and sensual young woman who becomes Saeed's partner. Nadia defies social norms by living alone and riding a motorcycle. She is resourceful and adaptable, often taking the lead as the couple moves through different countries. Her journey reflects themes of female empowerment and the challenges of maintaining individuality while seeking belonging in new places.
Saeed's father: A thoughtful and selfless man who chooses to stay behind when Saeed and Nadia flee. His character represents the older generation's attachment to home and the sacrifices parents make for their children's futures.
The Agent: A mysterious figure who helps refugees pass through the magical doors. He represents the complex network of people involved in refugee movements and the moral ambiguities surrounding their actions.
The Greek Girl: A compassionate local on Mykonos who assists Nadia and Saeed. She embodies the kindness of strangers that refugees often encounter on their journeys.
The Cook: A woman Nadia forms a relationship with in Marin County, California. She represents new beginnings and the potential for refugees to form connections in their new homes.
Quick facts
Mohsin Hamid wrote East West partly as a response to the international refugee crisis and growing anti-immigrant sentiment.
The author was also influenced by major world events such as Brexit and the 2016 presidential election of Donald Trump.
The main characters, Nadia and Saeed, are from an unnamed city in an unspecified country.
The story features magical doors that allow people to instantly travel to other parts of the world.
President Barack Obama included Exit West on his list of favorite books of 2017.
East West was a finalist for the prestigious Booker Prize in 2017.
East West won the 2018 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction.
Hamid narrates the audiobook version of his novel.
A film adaptation is in development, with Riz Ahmed set to star as Saeed.
About the Author
Mohsin Hamid (1971-) is a British Pakistani novelist known for his experimental narrative techniques, often blurring the line between genres, and exploration of themes such as globalization, identity, and social change. His debut novel, Moth Smoke (2000), became a cult hit in South Asia. His second novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2007), became a bestseller, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and has been translated into over 25 languages. His subsequent novels, including Exit West (1997), a Booker Prize finalist and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, have further cemented his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary fiction.
Born in the city of Lahore, Hamid spent parts of his childhood in the United States before returning to Pakistan. He later pursued higher education at Princeton University and Harvard Law School, studying under such renowned authors as Joyce Carol Oates and Toni Morrison. His unique perspective as a self-described “mongrel” allows him to bridge cultural divides and offer nuanced insights into the complexities of our globalized world in his works of fiction.
In addition to his novels, Hamid has published a collection of essays and contributes regularly to various international publications on topics ranging from politics to art. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named one of the world's 100 Leading Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine in 2013.
