AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A New York Times Notable Book of the Year WINNER of the NBCC John Leonard Prize, the Kirkus Prize, the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, the Dylan Thomas Prize, and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2020 A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, The New York Times Book Review, O Magazine, Vanity Fair, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, Shondaland, Boston Globe, and many more! "So delicious that it feels illicit . . . Raven Leilani’s first novel reads like summer: sentences like ice that crackle or melt into a languorous drip; plot suddenly, wildly flying forward like a bike down a hill." —Jazmine Hughes, The New York Times Book Review No one wants what no one wants. And how do we even know what we want? How do we know we’re ready to take it? Edie is stumbling her way through her twenties—sharing a subpar apartment in Bushwick, clocking in and out of her admin job, 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. “An irreverent intergenerational tale of race and class that’s blisteringly smart and fan-yourself sexy.” —Michelle Hart, O: The Oprah Magazine
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About the author
Raven Leilani
Author
Raven Leilani Baptiste is an American writer who publishes under the name Raven Leilani. Her debut novel Luster was released in 2020 to critical acclaim.
Luster
by Raven Leilani
Books Like Luster
If you're looking for books similar to Luster, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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A sharp contemporary novel examining race, class, and privilege through the story of a young Black babysitter and her employer. Like 'Luster', it provides an unflinching look at interpersonal dynamics and social complexities. The book explores uncomfortable truths about relationships and identity with wit and nuance. Reid's writing captures the awkwardness and tension of contemporary social interactions.
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A nuanced exploration of a complex relationship between two young people navigating intimacy, class, and personal growth. Like 'Luster', it offers a raw and intimate portrayal of young adulthood. The novel delves into power dynamics, sexual tension, and personal identity with remarkable emotional depth. Rooney's writing style is similarly sharp and unfiltered, capturing the complexities of contemporary relationships.
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A genre-blending novel exploring capitalism, immigration, and apocalypse through a young woman's experience. Similar to 'Luster', it provides a sharp critique of contemporary life. The book combines dark humor with profound social commentary. Ma's writing is inventive and emotionally resonant.
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A witty and poignant novel about a young Black woman navigating career, relationships, and self-discovery in London. Similar to 'Luster', it explores themes of racial identity, sexual dynamics, and personal struggle. The protagonist's journey is marked by humor, vulnerability, and a frank examination of modern life. Carty-Williams offers a compelling narrative about a young woman finding her way in a complex social landscape.
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A profound exploration of a Black graduate student navigating academic and personal challenges. Similar to 'Luster', it offers an intimate portrayal of contemporary young adulthood. The novel delves into themes of isolation, identity, and interpersonal dynamics. Taylor's writing is nuanced and emotionally precise.
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A novel exploring women's inner lives through a series of conversations. Similar to 'Luster', it offers an intimate, unfiltered look at female experience. The book is provocative, intelligent, and emotionally complex. Popkey's writing is sharp and psychologically nuanced.
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A provocative novel exploring power, consent, and trauma through a complex relationship between a student and her teacher. Similar to 'Luster', it offers an unflinching examination of sexual dynamics and personal agency. The narrative is raw, challenging, and deeply psychological. Russell provides a nuanced exploration of complicated emotional landscapes.
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A quirky novel about a woman finding meaning in her unconventional life working at a convenience store. Like 'Luster', it explores societal expectations and personal identity. The narrative is sharp, unusual, and deeply compelling. Murata offers a unique perspective on individual agency and social norms.
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A witty novel about a young woman navigating relationships, sexuality, and identity in Hong Kong. Like 'Luster', it features a sharp-voiced protagonist exploring complex personal dynamics. The book offers a frank examination of modern relationships and personal uncertainty. Dolan's writing is incisive and emotionally intelligent.
Temporary
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An absurdist novel about a woman working through various temporary jobs, exploring identity and labor. Like 'Luster', it offers a unique perspective on contemporary experience. The narrative is inventive, humorous, and deeply philosophical. Leichter provides a fresh take on personal and professional uncertainty.
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