A review by johndiconsiglio
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami

3.0

Disguised as a Rashomon-like crime drama (a hit-&-run in the Mojave Desert shatters the lives of several different narrators), this timely, readable novel’s real subject is the post-9/11 schism of an American community—along racial, religious, even family lines. Likeable, but it often feels like the author is checking boxes. There’s a Moroccan immigrant family, an Iraqi war vet, a few ugly racists & a lotta subtle ones. Give it points for an inventive set up—even if the shifting voices kinda sound alike. Its heart’s in the right place.