Book Review of Luster A Novel Raven Leilani

“Luster” by Raven Leilani is a debut novel that tells the story of Edie, a 23-year-old black woman living in New York City who finds herself entangled in an affair with Eric, a married white man twice her age. The book explores themes of race, class, sex, and power, and does so with a sharp wit and unflinching honesty.

One of the things that makes “Luster” so compelling is its protagonist, Edie. She is a complex and fully realized character, with all the messiness and contradictions that come with being a young person trying to navigate the world. She is both vulnerable and fiercely independent, longing for connection but also pushing people away. Leilani writes with intimacy and insight that allows the reader to truly understand Edie and her motivations.

The book also has a strong sense of place, with Leilani deftly capturing the feel of New York City in all its chaotic energy. The city serves as a backdrop for Edie’s adventures, and Leilani’s descriptions of the various neighborhoods and settings are vivid and evocative.

But what really sets “Luster” apart is its exploration of race and power dynamics. Edie is acutely aware of her own race and how it affects her interactions with others, particularly Eric and his wife, Rebecca. Leilani is not afraid to delve into uncomfortable territory, and she does so with a sharpness that is both painful and exhilarating. The book asks important questions about the intersections of race, class, and gender, and it does so with a nuance and complexity that is rare.

Overall, “Luster” is a stunning debut novel that announces Raven Leilani as a major new voice in contemporary literature. It is a book that is both challenging and rewarding, and one that will stay with the reader long after the final page. Highly recommended.