Trust by Hernán Díaz

Every month I try to either read a book recommended by a friend or one by a local

author taking their first run at publishing. This time, I went a different route—I picked up

a novel from a simple search for “good books to read.” If you’ve never tried this, you’re

missing out. Type that phrase plus your favorite genre into a search engine, and you

may discover books you’d never have thought of otherwise. Give them a chance—you

might be pleasantly surprised.

Back to the review: this book was at times tough to follow, but ultimately worth the

effort. Trust is divided into four distinct narratives, each offering a different perspective

on the lives of a wealthy couple in the early 20th century. What makes it so fascinating

is the way each version reshapes the story. You’re reminded of the power of storytelling

itself—how perspective determines truth.

Through these shifting accounts, Díaz highlights how wealth, privilege, and power can

distort reality. As the story unfolds, you find yourself piecing together the puzzle, trying

to decide what really happened. Even after the final narrative, you’re left questioning:

what is the truth?

The title feels especially fitting. Why should we automatically trust the wealthy and

powerful? With their resources, they can craft—and control—their own story. When I

finished, I found myself replaying the versions of events, trying to decide what truly lay

behind the Rask family’s rise to prominence and Mildred’s death.

If you’re looking for a book that challenges you, makes you think, and lingers long after

you’ve closed it, Trust is an excellent choice.