The Morningside

A Novel

By: Téa Obreht

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan

“A touching, inventive novel about belonging and loss” (People) from the critically beloved, New York Times bestselling author of The Tiger’s Wife and Inland

“I marveled at the subtle beauty and precision of Obreht’s prose. . . Read in the context of today’s conflicts and injustices, climate emergencies, and political and racial divisions—together more dystopian than any dystopian novel—the book surprised me most with its undercurrent of hope.”—Jessamine Chan, author of The School for Good Mothers, in The New York Times (Editors’ Choice)

There’s the world you can see. And then there’s the one you can’t. Welcome to the Morningside.

After being expelled from their ancestral home in a not-so-distant future, Silvia and her mother finally settle at the Morningside, a crumbling luxury tower in a place called Island City where Silvia’s aunt Ena serves as the superintendent. Silvia feels unmoored in her new life because her mother has been so diligently secretive about their family’s past, and because the once-vibrant city where she lives is now half-underwater. Silvia knows almost nothing about the place where she was born and spent her early years, nor does she fully understand why she and her mother had to leave. But in Ena there is an opening: a person willing to give the young girl glimpses into the folktales of her demolished homeland, a place of natural beauty and communal spirit that is lacking in Silvia’s lonely and impoverished reality.

Enchanted by Ena’s stories, Silvia begins seeing the world with magical possibilities and becomes obsessed with the mysterious older woman who lives in the penthouse of the Morningside. Bezi Duras is an enigma to everyone in the building: She has her own elevator entrance and leaves only to go out at night and walk her three massive hounds, often not returning until the early morning. Silvia’s mission to unravel the truth about this woman’s life, and her own haunted past, may end up costing her everything.

Startling, inventive, and profoundly moving, The Morningside is a novel about the stories we tell—and the stories we refuse to tell—to make sense of where we came from and who we hope we might become.

©2024 Téa Obreht (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“The dreamlike novel draws on elements of folklore and fairy tales for a narrative set eerily close to present day that explores environmental collapse and human resilience.”—Time

“By weaving in folklore and ample wonder, Obreht gives her climate fiction ancient roots, forcing us to reckon with the ruined world that future generations will inherit, while reminding us that even in the face of catastrophe, there’s solace to be found in art.”—The New York Times

“Imagine a Ballardian dystopia injected with a double dose of magic realism, so that the pages seem to glow. . . . An ideal novel in which all is invented and everything is true. I loved it.”—Ed Park, author of Same Bed Different Dreams

Another Beautiful Tale

Téa Obreht's ability to blend stark reality with whimsical fantasy is once again pleasantly present in The Morningside. The naivety of the narrator grants us an innocent look into her life as she unveils the mysteries she stumbles upon while becoming acquainted with a new life, and the twists and turns she encounters along the way. A must have for fans of The Tigers Wife, and a satisfying read for all the rest.

Interesting concept

I enjoyed the slow pace and relaxing nature of this book. The scenery wasn’t beautiful, but I enjoyed hearing the mind of a young girl trying to make sense of her surroundings.

I don’t get it

This book was recommended, like it was unique and special. I found it hard to follow.

Good characters!

I enjoyed the variety of characters and the interesting story. Enjoyed all the narration except I
Disliked Mila’s voice

Not a Page Turner

I did not like the story. I did enjoy the word use by the author. The central character is a young lady who whines, questions and screws up everything she touches. Not the type of story I enjoy. Will not read again nor pursue other books by the author.

Worse book ever

No words can describe this book. Total fiction and often depressing. I hope I never come across the author .