It’s been 20 years since British-born author Naeem Murr last published a novel in the UK, and Every Exit Brings You Home is a moving and reflective work of literary fiction. Often tasked with keeping the peace between his neighbours in a Chicago condo, the story follows Jamal ‘Jack’ Shaban, a Palestinian immigrant exiled from Gaza in the 1980s.
The lives of the residents living in the condo collide as they grapple with the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, while Jack is struggling to separate his personas at work as a flight attendant and his hope of trying to start a family with his wife Dimra at home. Full of insightful historical references the prose offers a subtle sophistication and the stark contrast between Jack’s past and present provides the ideal space for intertwined timelines, mirroring a pattern to his life.
Featuring a multitude of themes including displacement, exile, grief, belonging and love, there is also a sense of hope combined with the power of survival. The host of chaotic and complex characters (too many to mention) are relatable and offer an element of humour and lightness in contrast to the darker themes that surround the plot. A delicate and immersive read, Every Exit Brings You Home will dominate thoughts long after the last page.
