A review by nixiethepixie
Losing Face by George Haddad

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Listened as an audiobook. A generous, reflective and tender book from the heart of Western Sydney. Really well-written and lived in characters, setting and feelings throughout. There’s always such joy in reading of a place you have encountered yourself. Insights and reflections from the lives of Joey and Elaine, we are witness to the lives of people just living their everyday, surviving. The first and second generation immigrant experience are tenderly intertwined throughout the book as we move through guilt and shame, the feeling needing to leave, the police and justice system, rape culture, toxic masculinity, gambling and what you owe your family. The voices and characters are strong, and the malaise and hope for a better future feels present.