You Exist Too Much

by Zaina Arafat
 
Gabby says "This one is for the real love lovers amongst us. The ones who have loved the idea of love a littletoo much and gotten into trouble because of it. The ones who have fantasised about runningaway to find a lifesaving kind of love, or for the ones who have been found by those peoplewho expect your love to work miracles. There’s catharsis in feeling seen, and Arafat sees somany of us way too clearly with this one. If you consider yourself emotionally stable, mature,or “smart” maybe this one will drive you a bit crazy, but if you’re ready for some drama, andunlikeable women of colour making questionable choices in search of love, acceptance,and safety then I think you’ll find something to love about this one."
 
Told in vignettes that flash between the US and the Middle East, Zaina Arafat's powerful debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to creative and confused adulthood.
 
In Brooklyn, she moves into an apartment with her first serious girlfriend and tries to content herself with their comfortable relationship. Soon, her longings, so deeply hidden during her teenage years, explode out into reckless romantic encounters and obsessions with other people, which results in her seeking unconventional help to face her past traumas and current demons.
 
As heard on Radio 2 Book Club, this captivating novel is perfect for readers who love Maggie Nelson and Garth Greenwell. Opening up the fantasies and desires of one young woman caught between cultural, religious and sexual identities, You Exist Too Much is a captivating story charting two of our most intense longings - for love, and a place to call home.
 
Format: Paperback