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Cover of Trust Exercise by Susan Choi

Trust Exercise

by Susan Choi

Approximately 272 pages

This novel challenges perceptions of truth and memory in a compelling narrative structure.

Difficulty

Moderate

Pace

Medium

Mood

suspenseful, introspective

Book club

High

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Is this book for you?

Read this if you enjoy

  • psychological dramas
  • you like stories about adolescence

Consider another book if

  • you prefer straightforward narratives
  • you dislike unreliable narrators

What it is about

"Trust Exercise" follows a group of high school students at a performing arts school in the 1980s. The narrative centers on the complex relationships between the students and their charismatic drama teacher. As they engage in intense acting exercises, their personal lives become intertwined.

The story is divided into distinct sections that shift perspectives and timelines. Themes of trust, betrayal, and the nature of memory are explored throughout the novel. The characters grapple with the impact of their formative experiences on their adult lives.

The narrative structure challenges the reader's understanding of truth and fiction. As the story unfolds, the boundaries between performance and reality blur. The book examines the consequences of desire and ambition in the pursuit of art.

Ultimately, it raises questions about the reliability of personal narratives.

Award recognition

2019 winner

National Book Award for Fiction

United States · Fiction

View the winners list: NBA Fiction

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