My book review of 'Misplaced Persons' by Susan Beale

by Susan Beale
Misplaced Persons
by Susan Beale

It's eighteen years since the Yardleys moved to Brussels. Neil is British and Marcy American and they now have three children. But life is falling apart. Neil is having an affair with a work colleague and Marcy is seeking to make a difference by reaching out to the Syrian refugee community. They are both putting the family at risk and oldest son, Alec, feels it most keenly. He doesn't know how to process his concerns and frustrations constructively and ultimately his actions prove threatening to them all.

The backdrop to this domestic crisis is the rise in terrorist threats, with the Battaclan attack in Paris and the airport bombing being frighteningly close experiences. No one is beyond suspicion, and every innocent action or motive can be perceived as sinister in intent. 

It's a brilliant read. The characters are all vivid, multi-faceted and compelling. The context is vivid and contemporary and it's fascinating to see the layers peeled back to reveal unexceptional, everyday family issues which are exposed and exaggerated in a political drama. Loved it!

Date of this review: April 2021
Book publication date: 4th March 2021