Asymmetry: A Novel by Lisa Halliday is a brilliant reflection of our contemporary world. The author has created a captivating story that delves into our deeply divided society and how its inequalities shape the lives of its inhabitants. In the storyline, protagonist Alice is an aspiring writer in her 20’s and has recently finished her novel. She meets Ezra, a wealthy and well-known editor, and the two have a strong connection that leads to several romantic encounters. As their relationship progresses, the narrator dives deep into the asymmetrical power dynamics of it.
At the same time, the story takes a look at the sociopolitical world beyond their affair, with a focus on the contemporary state of the Middle East. It follows the life of Amar, an Iraqi-American man who is determined to find his place in the world and reunite with his family. His experiences guide us through the difficulties refugees face when searching for sanctuary in a foreign land. In the backdrop of all this, Alice’s and Amar’s interconnected stories are contrasted to provide insights into the relationship between our personal paths and the larger world we live in.
Asymmetry is a story about how people try to find their true selves and beginnings, in the face of societal power imbalances. It's a novel of emotions, rather than plot, due to Halliday’s ability to artfully bring together diverse characters and interweave their stories. Further emphasizing the subtle nuances of context and identity, Halliday’s writing is both poetic and intimate.
Halliday has written an incredibly complex and thought-provoking story, one that will spark conversations and broaden the reader’s understanding of the underlying politics of our time. By taking us on an odyssey of immense diversity, she brings to life the struggles of immigrants and refugees, as well as a plethora of characters searching for love and security in a world defined by power differences. This is a book that we should all read – and that will stay with us long after its completion.
