Saeed: Lives with his parents; sells outdoor ads; religious.
Nadia: Independent, non-religious; wears long black robes as a deterrent.
Plot Overview
Introduction
Saeed and Nadia meet in an unnamed city on the verge of civil war.
Saeed asks Nadia out for coffee after noticing her in adult education classes.
Developing Relationship
Saeed and Nadia meet and discuss their lives and beliefs.
Nadia left her religious family, causing a rift.
As the city's condition deteriorates, they find solace in each other's company.
Escalating Conflict
Militants take control of the city; Saeed’s mother is killed.
Saeed, Nadia, and his father consider fleeing the city.
Magical Doors
Black doors appear, allowing people to escape to new places.
Saeed’s father refuses to leave; Saeed and Nadia escape to Mykonos, Greece.
Life as Refugees
In Greece, they encounter a mix of hostility and camaraderie among refugees.
Saeed and Nadia struggle with the challenges of refugee life.
They move to London, where they find an empty mansion with other migrants.
Tensions in London
Saeed feels disconnected; Nadia joins a migrant council.
Tensions rise with native Londoners; a conflict ensues.
Saeed and Nadia decide to move again.
California and Separation
They settle in Marin, California, attempting to rekindle their relationship.
They decide to part ways amicably, taking different life paths.
Nadia returns to her home city years later; reconnects with Saeed briefly.
Themes
Migration and Refugee Experience: Struggles and adaptations of refugees.
Love and Relationship: Evolution and deterioration of Saeed and Nadia's relationship.
Cultural and Religious Identity: Conflicts and resolutions in personal beliefs.
Author Background
Mohsin Hamid: Born in Pakistan, grew up in the U.S.; educated at Princeton and Harvard.
Successful author with works such as "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "Moth Smoke."
"Exit West" was published in 2017 and nominated for the Man Booker Prize.
Conclusion
"Exit West" is a narrative blending magical realism with the harsh realities of modern migration and the search for identity and belonging. The story provides a poignant look at personal and global crises through the lens of a young couple's journey.