It's not often that a road trip novel prompts readers to learn more about geopolitical atrocities, but that likelihood is high with Off the Books, the debut novel from Soma Mei Sheng Frazier. At first glance, the story seems to be one thing: a young protagonist drops out of college and starts a car service for clients who require more discretion, sex workers mostly. When Mĕi agrees to drive Henry Lee and his mysterious suitcase across the country, she insists on a certain work ethic: "My clients' business is none of my business. But," she adds, "I won't be complicit in bad shit." As the moral ambiguity of what she is actually transporting becomes clear, so, too, does the complexity of Mĕi's family history and personal baggage.
The narrative moves along at a decent, if sometimes uneven, clip. Bits of Mĕi's story (and that of her American father and Chinese mother) get tangled up with the unfolding truths around what Henry is doing, as well as the people and politics involved. Significant portions of the novel take place in Mĕi's mind as she wrestles with memories she'd rather not engage and her (and her country's) responsibility regarding the Uyghur genocide and terrorism perpetuated by Chinese officials: "Let history continue to record our contradictions." Though it could be argued that Frazier attempts too much, it's undeniable that her first novel raises fascinating questions about journalism, morality, and the power of relationships to heal all manner of brokenness. Off the Books is a surprising ride, but one worth taking. --Sara Beth West, freelance reviewer and librarian