Stacey Lee strikes a very delicate and effective balance between Mercy wanting a different life, a better life, but still appreciating her background and loving her family. The novel may take place in 1906, but her struggles and independent spirit feel so modern and relatable. While the sort of “girl takes life into her own hands, faces adversity”-kind of journey isn’t necessarily new, Mercy’s journey is unlike any I’ve read before. It’s hard not to empathize with Mercy throughout the book just because the emotions are so well-crafted. Feelings of pride and accomplishment, as well as dread and loneliness, are perhaps some of the most visceral just because they’re so understated and so raw. Yes, there were quite a few heart-breaking moments as well as moments of pure joy, but it’s the emotions in the smaller moments that really stick out. I wasn’t expected to feel so many emotions while reading it. That blanket would actually really come in handy while reading Outrun the Moon just because of how emotional it is. The best way to explain how much I loved the language in this book is to say that if I could wrap myself up in a blanket made of her words, I would. Her imagery is stunning and her metaphors create such vivid imagery. Every sentence is just so rich in detail, so much so that reading this novel feels like an indulgence (but in the best way possible).

Everything about Outrun the Moon is beautiful thanks to Stacey Lee’s gorgeous language.

Outrun the moon by stacey lee