57 pages 1 hour read

Laila Lalami

The Other Americans

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Other Americans by Laila Lalami, musician Nora Guerraoui returns to her California hometown after her father, Driss, is killed in a hit-and-run accident. As she grieves, reconnects with former schoolmate Jeremy Gorecki, and discovers unsettling family secrets, the perspectives of various townspeople reveal underlying tensions related to race, identity, and guilt. The book explores sensitive themes including racial violence and immigration struggles.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Laila Lalami's The Other Americans is widely praised for its intricate weaving of multiple perspectives, shedding light on contemporary America through a gripping mystery. Reviewers appreciate its character depth and social commentary. Some critiques highlight a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking, rich narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Other Americans?

Readers who appreciate complex narratives about identity, family, and immigrant experiences will enjoy The Other Americans by Laila Lalami. Fans of Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah will find similar themes of cultural tension and personal discovery.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction