To Be Fair by Julieta Moss (Book Review #1951)

In *To Be Fair*, Julieta Moss crafts a poignant and complex narrative about love, loss, and the impact of circumstance. Set in the late 1990s, the story follows Bogdan, a teenage Yugoslavian refugee trying to find his place in a foreign land, and James, a troubled cruise worker, who forms a turbulent bond with him.

Moss paints a vivid picture of Bogdan’s emotional isolation as he navigates life in Italy, relying on the help of Alessia, an old friend, and her boyfriend Guido. The dynamics between these characters are intricate, reflecting the fragile connections that Bogdan clings to. When James enters the picture, their on-again, off-again relationship spirals into a path of uncertainty. The tension between Bogdan’s longing for stability and James’ self-destructive tendencies intensifies as they face unexpected challenges.

The novel touches on identity, displacement, and the deep desire for belonging. As Bogdan risks everything to help James in England, the stakes are raised even further when his legal status is threatened. Moss does an excellent job of conveying the emotional toll that these circumstances have on both characters, leaving readers to wonder if their bond can survive the external pressures.

*To Be Fair* is a heartfelt exploration of resilience and vulnerability, showing how love can sometimes be as destructive as it is redemptive.

Written by Jeyran Main

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