Book Review: Once a Stranger

“Once a Stranger” by Soya Patel is a breathtaking read. Constructing an intricate, yet beautifully subtle universe: Patel weaves characters that are so painfully real they are sharp on the page, drawing the reader into their lives with little chance of their wanting to leave anytime soon.

Ayat has not seen her family for years - but with one email the barriers that she’s built between herself and her past come tumbling down and she is launched into a heartbreaking story of forgiveness, grief, love, and self-discovery.  A well-balanced mix of present-day scenes and vivid memories from Ayat’s past “Once a Stranger” is an astounding portrayal of the human experience, memories intertwining seamlessly with the plot as though the reader is delving into the recesses of Ayat’s mind alongside her.

I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It’s lovely and tragic and on the pulse of modern literature. Whilst readers should be mindful of triggering themes such as racial discrimination and intergenerational trauma, the elegance with which these issues are portrayed is astounding - a true testament to Patel’s dexterity as a writer.

5/5 stars

Written by Violet FitzSimons

2023