Adrift has to be one of the most starkly beautiful, thought-provoking books that I have read in a long time. At times bleak and almost uncomfortable as it meditated on the state of the world today and how we got to this point, and where we could end up, we remain divided. There is a careful balance throughout this book, between philosophy, history and the author’s own personal narrative, and it works, because Maalouf never becomes too entrenched in the philosophy, keeping the book flowing and achingly relatable. However, ultimately there is a hopefulness to the writing, a determination that bled through the words, and I think that is why Adrift has such impact because it doesn’t shy away from the divisions and conflicts, but nor does it paint an utterly hopeless picture. This is a book that will stay with me for a while, and I would highly recommend it.