The Morningside: A Novel By Tea Obreht

In "The Morningside" by Téa Obreht, Silvia and her mother find refuge in the Morningside, a dilapidated luxury tower in Island City, after being expelled from their ancestral home. Silvia, curious about her family's past and the submerged city she barely remembers, seeks answers from her aunt Ena, who shares folktales of their demolished homeland.

Enchanted by Ena's stories, Silvia's perception of the world transforms, infusing it with magical possibilities. Her fascination extends to Bezi Duras, an enigmatic resident of the Morningside known for her secrecy and nightly excursions with her hounds. Determined to uncover the truth behind Bezi's mysterious life and her own haunted past, Silvia embarks on a perilous journey that may cost her dearly.

Obreht's prose, lauded for its beauty and precision, weaves a tapestry of belonging and loss, exploring themes of identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Through Silvia's quest for truth, the novel delves into the power of storytelling to make sense of one's origins and aspirations.

Set against the backdrop of a half-submerged city and a dystopian future, "The Morningside" offers a poignant reflection on the human experience, resonating with contemporary issues of displacement, environmental degradation, and societal divisions. It invites readers to contemplate the stories we tell ourselves and the ones we choose to keep hidden, illuminating the complexities of memory and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.

Startling, inventive, and profoundly moving, "The Morningside" promises to captivate readers with its blend of magical realism and poignant storytelling, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. 📚❤️