Reddit meter
Luster
240 pages, 2020
fiction
1382 booksEdie is stumbling her way through her twenties―sharing a subpar apartment in Bushwick, clocking in and out of her admin job, and making a series of inappropriate sexual choices.
She is also haltingly, fitfully giving heat and air to the art that simmers inside her. And then she meets Eric, a digital archivist with a family in New Jersey, including an autopsist wife who has agreed to an open marriage―with rules.
As if navigating the constantly shifting landscapes of contemporary sexual manners and racial politics weren’t hard enough, Edie finds herself unemployed and invited into Eric’s home―though not by Eric.
She becomes a hesitant ally to his wife and a de facto role model to his adopted daughter. Edie may be the only Black woman young Akila knows.
Irresistibly unruly and strikingly beautiful, razor-sharp and slyly comic, sexually charged and utterly absorbing. Raven Leilani’s Luster is a portrait of a young woman trying to make sense of her life―her hunger, her anger―in a tumultuous era.
It is also a haunting, aching description of how hard it is to believe in your own talent and the unexpected influences that bring us into ourselves along the way.
In Luster, Raven Leilani presents a compelling narrative about identity and self-discovery. The protagonist, Edie, is a young black woman navigating her way through life, work, and relationships. The book encourages readers to explore their own identities and find their own paths.
Leilani's book gives us a deep look into the complexities of relationships. Edie's relationship with Eric, a married man, and his family, is a central theme. It's a great read for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of human connections.
Luster paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by young adults today. From job insecurity to complicated relationships, the book offers a raw and honest look at the challenges of modern life. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the millennial experience.
Edie, the protagonist, is a painter. Through her, Leilani explores the power of art and creativity. The book encourages readers to embrace their creative side and see how it can be a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.
Luster doesn't shy away from discussing racial and social issues. It's a great book for anyone looking to dig deeper into these topics. Leilani's portrayal of Edie's experiences as a black woman in a predominantly white society is both enlightening and thought-provoking.
Quotes 3
Raven Leilani's Luster is a novel of mesmerizing brilliance, a narrative that is as searing as it is starkly insightful.
Roxane Gay - Feminist writer, professorLuster is a marvel, a work of art that captures the complexity of life in a way that is both stunning and relatable.
Zadie Smith - Novelist, essayistLuster is a book that is as beautiful as it is brutal, a breathtaking exploration of the human condition.
Emily St. John Mandel - Canadian novelist
