One of the most enjoyable books I've read this year. It follows Raja, a high-school teacher in Lebanon, and his mother through the historical junctures that shape their lives, from Raja's childhood to middle age.

Raja's voice is so distinct and oftentimes humorous, in a biting way, even when narrating his lowest points. The book is so unapologetic in its narration of events and I loved how viscerally I could imagine a scene, not because of exhaustive descriptions, but because every emotion demanded to be felt, like I was an onlooker standing in the aftermath of an explosion or looking through a hole in the wall in The Basement(™). Looking back, this book isn't exactly chock-full of happiness, it deals with a lot heavy themes, from homophobia and misogyny to war and violence, but it's all told in a way that rejects self-pity, you have to admire the strength, and low-key the compartmentalization going on. Like, instead of feeling /for/ him, I was feeling /with/ him, if that makes sense.

The side characters all stood out quite well, I especially liked Nahed and Madam Taweel and even Boodie oof. Zalfa really grew on me as well, especially during the Civil War chapter, they're probably my fave mother-son duo in litfic history, just something about a love that makes people brave and a love that brings you peace (crazy given how chaotic Zalfa is lmao). No words can describe how happy I am to see a character grow old with their mother without feeling the pressure to “settle down”.

I guess the one gripe I had with this book was how conveniently they brought Boodie to the present. Do I understand it? Not really. But I did like the fact that they had a confrontation scene, and how Nahed helped Raja process his feelings afterwards (the women are the MVPs here fr).

Ultimately, the writing was my favorite part of the book. It's good enough to forgive the occasional absurdity, and I'll definitely be reading more of Rabih Alameddine in the future.

Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hat mich nicht gepackt, möchte ich nicht weiter lesen. Sorry. Danke fürs bereit stellen vom Hörbuch.b

Alameddine weaves a story about two people, mother and son and how they live as separate from each other but how their lives are intertwined with each other’s, because they care, they love, and they stand up to be counted.

Our main hero is yes grumpy and long-suffering Raja, but he is also honourable, caring and loving. On the other side we have his mother, quite ferocious in her love. They may see the world and life from different perspectives, but their bond is solid.

So, despite heartbreak, civil war, neighbourly bombings and military incursions, economic collapse, exploding harbours and a worldwide pandemic; the care and decency rise up, if life continues, they continue, step after step, lipstick after lipstick.................

To be perfectly honest, I really didn't like the this book at first. It took a good third of the novel for me to grown accustomed to its style. Just when I'd think I was finally getting to the story, he'd go into more back story and I grew frustrated trying to figure out the point. But once I wrapped my mind around the style, I was able to enjoy it for what it was and appreciate its quirkiness.

The banter between Raja, a gay Lebanese man, and his vivacious mother is both exhausting and endearing. Their closeness is apparent despite their frequent quips towards each other. As Raja fills in bits and pieces of his life, it also becomes clear that their love is built on a strong foundation. The story also weaves in events from wars to COVID, which adds a fascinating historical element without making them the main point of the plot. This story is truly about the relationship between Raja and his mother.

This story follows Raja’s life as a gay man living in Beirut, from childhood through to his early 60s. We follow him through many political conflicts and military uprisings (historically correct), as well as following along with his relationship with his mother, who is a rather extraordinary character.

This is a gorgeously crafted story that will have you relating to Raja’s life many times over. I loved getting to know Raja, and always looked forward to whatever escapade his mother had up her sleeve next.

The story goes deep into Raja’s feelings on all aspects of life. It will definitely have you laughing, but it will also get you to ruminate on your own life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine, and I was thoroughly entertained. The novel’s wit, charm, and humor had me hooked from the very beginning. The story revolves around Raja, a man who seems to navigate life with a mix of naïveté and grace, and his mother, whose influence on him is both loving and complicated. Alameddine’s writing is sharp and full of heart, capturing the complexities of family dynamics while also offering plenty of lighthearted moments.

What really stood out to me was the way Alameddine balances humor with deeper reflections on life, love, and identity. Raja’s journey is quirky and unpredictable, but it’s also relatable in its exploration of the human condition. If you’re looking for a novel that’s both funny and meaningful, The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) is a must-read.

“The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)” by Rabih Alameddine tells the story of Raja and his epic adventure through life, intertwined with significant Lebanese historical events from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

After the Lebanese financial crisis, Raja lives with his octogenarian mother in a small apartment in Beirut. He is later offered a writing fellowship in the United States, which prompts him to reflect on his life and share humorous family interactions, emotional experiences, and his extraordinary journey.

I highly recommend this book. Fans of "Forrest Gump" may appreciate how Alameddine explores themes of family, destiny, opportunities, and perspective. The novel focuses on relationships and acceptance as ways to find meaning in a chaotic and unpredictable world. Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing the advance reading copy (ARC).