Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by the wonderful Thrity Umrigar. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!
Ali and Sam are a gay couple living in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, both dealing with estrangement from their families due to their lifestyle. After an argument, Sam goes out for an early morning run by herself and never returns. Ali, a Muslim, becomes under attack on social media and in real life, and makes choices that make the situation worse. Meanwhile, Sam is being held captive, trying to survive.
Umrigar has done it again, given us an emotional novel that explores so very many themes - racism, mental health, homophobia, family, religion - to name a few. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book as the POV shifts between Ali and Sam. It's a tense mystery but so much more, and the writing kept me glued and thinking about these characters each time I had to close the book. The story felt extremely relevant to today's political and social environment, even though it was set in the time right before and at the start of Covid, As someone who lived in a different Cleveland suburb for decades, I also loved the inclusion of so many familiar places. I can't say too much without spoilers, but get this book into your hands now!
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