Exit West

Exit West is a riveting narrative about the challenges millennials face in their search for meaningful and durable relationships. When Phil Baxter loses his job in rural Vermont due to a reduction in force policy it shattered the safety of his predictable universe. Facing a rudderless sea of uncertainty, he’s given an opportunity for summer employment working in the pristine mountains of the Big Horn National Forest in northern Wyoming.

Straightaway, he encounters stiff opposition from his best friend, who instead urges him to pursue real estate sales in his home town. Likewise, his girlfriend would rather he stay put, safe and secure by her side. However, Baxter rejects their advice and decides to take his chances and venture into an unforeseeable future.

Baxter’s new job is tough and he strives to pull his weight. Nevertheless, he fails to impress Luther Spotted Owl, a Native American who holds a deep-seated contempt for the white man. Although, when circumstances demand it, Baxter’s actions turn his coworker’s attitude towards him in a positive direction. Another central figure is octogenarian Irwin Tuttle. The campground host befriends Baxter who becomes a frequent visitor to his campsite, and when a calamity threatens Mrs.Tuttle he’s there to to help. Finally, he meets an attractive and scrappy Teton Park naturalist, Samantha Cole. Sam invites Baxter to experience the wonders of the National Park and in the process captures his heart.

Exit West first and foremost is delightfully entertaining, timely compelling and graphic; a fast-paced engrossing narrative with believable characters will care about.