Out of Place

A young artist, a predatory therapist, and an observant maid collide in this charged tale of power and survival.

During the 2008 financial crisis, Lily, an Australian botanical artist based in Abu Dhabi for her partner's work, has a hysterectomy performed without her consent. Seeking solace from her neighbour, Hugo, a charismatic yet manipulative therapist, she finds her marriage pushed to the edge. Meanwhile, Celeste, Hugo's housemaid, witnesses an unforgivable abuse and must choose between her own survival and the cost of speaking out. Told through alternating voices, this novel explores the fault lines of gender, class, and the female body.