Charles grew up on a Penobscot reservation because his mother married a member of the tribe. He now lives across the river from the reservation, separated from his daughter who doesn't know who he is. He keeps a close eye on his mother, who has dementia. As Charles watches his daughter grow up and struggle with mental health issues, he becomes desperate for her to know her whole story. Their lives intersect in brutal ways as they learn important lessons about family and identity.

This is the kind of book that feels difficult for me to review because, for a piece of fiction, it feels extremely intimate and personal. It could almost be a memoir except that the characters aren't real. I was so moved by Charles' story and I think it's one that everyone should read or listen to. The audiobook was beautifully narrated.

Thank you, NetGalley for the audiobook copy of fire exit by Morgan Talty

This book was absolutely devastating in so many ways. It tackled numerous hard topics. Including, but not limited to: indigenous members of North America having to constantly prove their identity, what makes and binds a family, being a caretaker for a family member, and the slow descent into dementia for elderly family members. There were strong themes of mental health, depression, suicidal tendencies, and drug and alcohol addiction throughout this novel as well. It all felt very organic to the plot and not in any way forced.

While it covered some difficult topics, it did so very well. I definitely felt a kinship and relatability to our main character who is struggling to deal with a lot as he ages. Our main character is a white man who grew up on a reservation with an indigenous stepfather. While he feels very tied to the indigenous community due to growing up there, he knows that he is not a part of their community really. And he struggles with that loss of identity. He unfortunately is also dealing with a slew of personal issues in regards to many people in his life. Including, but not limited to trying to decide whether or not he tells the daughter that doesn't know he exists that he is in fact, her father. She believes her father to be another indigenous man that has raised her, and he does not want to take her identity away and have her feel the way he does about it. But he struggles with wanting to be known by her. Especially when he sees her struggle as an adult and thinks that she has a right to know her medical history as well.

I picked this book up with the intention of reading 50 pages today and ended up reading the entire book. It was really really well done.

I received an audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know if i was the intended audience for this book - to me, it was like listening to a stream of consciousness rather than following a plotted storyline, and i found it hard to remain interested while i was listening to it.

there was also a lack of distinction in the audio book between chapters, so the entire setting would change and it would throw me off for the beginning of the new chapter.

audio narrator was clear.

I received a free Advanced Reading Copy via NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review.

"Fire Exit" by Morgan Talty is a powerful and unflinching portrait of contemporary Native American life. Talty's prose is both beautiful and haunting as he brings to life characters grappling with issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, and the generational impacts of cultural oppression. While the subject matter can be heavy at times, Talty balances it with moments of humor, tenderness, and hope. His ability to explore difficult themes with nuance and avoid stereotyping is impressive, especially for a debut work. Overall, this collection announces Talty as an important new voice in Native American literature.

This was a well read audiobook- it was one of the few cases where I heard the author as a genuine character rather than a narrator to the novel. Excellent production in this audiobook.

The story, the book itself was a treasure. I’ve seen it promoted a few times in book stores and had that “oh! I read this and loved it!”moment that made me grateful for NetGalley for the audiobook copy of this novel.

Fire exit :

Thank you to Netgalley, Morgan Talty and RB media for providing me the ALC of Fire exit.

"It’s strange: all blood looks the same, yet it’s different, we’re told, in so many various ways and for so many various reasons."

"Fire Exit offers an in-depth exploration of the complex and often indescribable concept of 'family.' The author has does a commendable job of presenting the multifaceted nature of this small yet powerful word, examining what truly constitutes a family."

The core of the narrative delves into how one's native Indian heritage profoundly shapes their life and the powerful influence ethnicity holds. Charles's story unfolds gradually: from his childhood and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his stepfather's death to his hidden daughter, his mother's enduring illness, and his friendships. The characters are portrayed with raw imperfections, which enriches the story's beauty. It deeply resonates with unexpected nuances, navigating through themes such as grief exploration, alcoholism, caregiving for elderly parents, fractured and complicated relationships, homophobia, domestic abuse, and the weight of separation guilt.

Though I'm unfamiliar with Native American history, Talty has offered a compelling perspective on how one's identity can shape their entire future and how being distinct impacts both individuals and families.

The story unfolds with a sense of quiet intensity, where seemingly little occurs yet much transpires. Its melancholic tone remains steady throughout, culminating in a much-needed revelation at the conclusion.

CW: Death of a loved one, grief, domestic abuse, alcoholism, constraint relationship with parents, dementia, arson.

Loved reading this novel about an indigenous family. It’s such a sad read, but not in a tearful way. You just want more for the main character than what they had and wish that they had someone to support them versus constantly being the person that provides support. Everyone deserved more.🥹 the ending was wild for a bit! I couldn’t press the stop button on the audio.

Content warning, the main characters mom has dementia and the storyline follows how that progresses which can be tough to read about.

This wasn’t a super cohesive flow, but it made sense and I really enjoyed it. This was the break from romance that I needed and I’m so glad I read it in the summer!

In terms of audio quality, this was amazing. The narrator had a nice voice and he read at a fast rate to where I didn’t need to speed up the audio too much! Would recommend this in their ebook or audio format! “Only” one narrator but they did a great job differentiating characters.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book centered on a character I hadn't seen portrayed before, which was refreshing. Unfortunately, the book left me questioning why I should care about him and his life. There was an air of mystery throughout, but it just didn't land for me. I found his friend, Bobby, to be a much more entertaining character.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy (audio) in exchange for an honest review.

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty, narrated by Darrell Dennis, is honestly unlike any book I’ve read before. It takes so many different real concepts and weaves them together into something that at times felt like I was listening to a real person telling their legitimate history. Someone who was authentically narrating the ups and downs of his life, and I felt so much for him. It was an interesting listen for that reason alone, even if at times my focus did drift because it was *so* real and *so* evenly paced throughout. I have also personally strived to read more Native / Indigenous stories and authors over the years so I was thrilled to receive a copy of this book.

The narrator did an excellent job bringing this story to life. His voice was pleasant to listen to and again, felt like someone just speaking directly to me. Darrell Dennis is a great choice in terms of narrator selection!

Overall this was a thoughtful read and listen!

I’ve been waiting for Talty to write a novel after loving his short story collection and what an amazing job he did!

I love these kind of family stories that talk about heritage, connection and belonging.

The character were richly developed and loved the growth.

A fantastic book that takes a seemingly ordinary character and turns their life into the most memorable of stories. The author weaves a heartfelt and thoughtful story that touches on mental health, addiction, family bonds, belonging, and forgiveness. It’s the kind of story that feels like there is so much truth and honesty behind it, it could be an autobiography. Highly recommend.

I listened to this one as an audiobook and the narrator is superb. He sounded so connected to the story and characters that at times I forgot he was reading a novel and not sharing his own personal history. Narration perfection!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

This was strangely intriguing, and very well written. It seems like it should be rather dry at times but somehow keeps from giving that feeling. The narrator did a good job as well.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tin House for the ARC of Fire Exit. I read the book in tandem with the audiobook from RB Media.. The narration by Darrell Dennis was wonderful. I am not at all surprised at how much I loved this. I loved Night of the Living Rez by Talty so this was one of the titles I was most excited about for this year. On the surface this is a story of a man caring for his ailing mother and grappling with this huge decision whether or not to introduce himself to his daughter who has grown up with another man as her father. But there were so many layers to this story, and I felt so many different emotions while reading it. Talty explores themes of identity and grief, of family and friendship,. I highly recommend this and Night of the Living Rez - I can't wait to see what else Morgan Talty creates!

I had a hard time following and getting into this book. Just not for me, but that is alright. On to the next one.

I don’t know how to give a review that does this book justice. This is a beautifully written book about the connection you have with family and friends, even in ways you might not know yet. The narrator was fantastic. I found his voice to be very engaging. I loved every bit of this book.

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty and narrated by Darrell Dennis is absolutely stunning. A story that encapsulates the questions of identity, our place in soceity, family, love and loss, but also wrapped up in an outstanding narrative and well devised mystery that is as poignant as it is compelling. An important novel for our time due to the issues that have a significant impact on American Indians as well as the crisis of abductions and unalivings in soceity today

Morgan Talty is an incredibly important author of our times and has the unique ability to encourage curiosity and critical thought through fiction and a very well told story. Especially because it comes from life experience and observation

The audiobook is beautifully read by Darrell Dennis, who voices all characters with integrity and a smooth timbre

Charles Lamosway sits on his porch, a proch with a view to the house in which his daughter grows up in, a daughter who does not know he exists. As time goes by, he becomes more and more desperate to tell her the truth, and almost gets the opportunity through an arranged visit with her mother, but this comes to naught.

However, when his daughter has grown, she disappears and everything changes. He cannot sit back and watch any more

Simply brilliant. A fantastic listen and definitely an author to follow


Thank you to Netgalley, RB Media | Recorded Books, the author Morgan Talty and narrator Darrell Dennis for this outstanding ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

“Fire Exit” by Morgan Talty served as my introduction to the author’s work, as I haven’t yet read his collection of stories, “The Night on the Living Rez.”

Set on the Maine Penobscot Reservation, the novel follows Charles Lamosway, who grew up there with his mother and stepfather. Due to the Quantum Blood Rules, Charles is not recognized as native and is forced to leave the reservation upon turning 18. Despite this, he remains deeply attached to his daughter, whom he watches over from a distance after relinquishing custody to allow her to stay on the reservation—a secret he has kept for years but is now ready to reveal.

The narrative also delves into Charles’ struggles as he cares for his dementia-stricken mother and supports his alcoholic friend, Bobby. This character-driven story reflects on Charles’ life as he confronts his past and navigates the complexities of straddling two cultures. Themes of detachment, identity, belonging, family, legacy, and community are explored with raw prose and a melancholic undertone.

“Fire Exit” is both a poignant and intense read, offering a unique and memorable perspective. I highly recommend it for its accessible yet profound storytelling.

Pub Date: Jun 04 2024

Thank you to @netgalley and #rbmedia for the advance copy audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

For fans of Tommy Orange and Billy-Ray Belcourt, this debut fiction story from the best-selling author of the short-story collection, Night of the Living Rez was full of complex characters, great mental health and alcoholism rep and a moving tale of a family secrets and lies. Good on audio and a quick listen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

What’s the last novel you’ve read that you’d recommend? 🔥 I really enjoyed Night of the Living Rez so I was very excited to read FIRE EXIT by Morgan Talty and I really enjoyed this novel too!! It’s about Charles who lives across the river from Maine’s Penobscot Reservation. He’s dealing with caring for his mother Louise who has dementia, his friendship with Bobby who is wanting to move away but not really, the loss of his stepfather and trying to connect with his secret daughter. I loved how Charles described what it means to be Native and how it’s not just living on the reserve. I really enjoyed how this novel focused heavily on family, heritage, connection, and culture. The audiobook narrator Darrell Dennis was excellent! Definitely recommend to contemporary lit fic lovers like me!

Book Review: Fire Exit - Morgan Talty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ narrated by Darrel Dennis

"As Charles attempts to hold on to and care for what he can—his home and property; his alcoholic and bighearted friend Bobby; and his mother, Louise, who is slipping deeper into dementia—he becomes increasingly haunted by his past. Forced to confront a lost childhood on the reservation, a love affair cut short, and the death of his beloved stepfather, Fredrick, Charles contends with questions he’s long been afraid to ask. Is his secret about his daughter, Elizabeth, his to share? And would his daughter want to know the truth, even if it could cost her everything she’s ever known?"

Fire exit is a beautiful story about family - the families we are born into, the families we make and the families we never get to be apart of. The main character Charles speaks about his life, his decisions and struggles and grief, almost at arms length - like he can't/won't process the hurt. It was deeply satisfying to go with Charles on his journey of struggling with the question of whether to tell his daughter his secret because it felt like he was almost coming back to life - like he stopped living his life through the lens of 'what if' and actually started living. The scenes of Charles caring for his mother Louise as her dementia advances will stay with me for a long time - beautifully written and intensely sad while also having these sharp, funny moments.

I really enjoyed #fireexit and would definitely recommend in general but specifically if you liked books like There, There and Everything I Never Told you.

Thank you to #rbmedia for the advanced copy of this audiobook.

#fireexitbook #morgantalty #audiobook #audiobook #bookreview #readinginstead