Hilarious, heartbreaking, and humming with sensuality and eroticism. Very bold treatment of strange, imaginative situations in modern-day Lebanon, which was a new setting for me, so I learned a lot.

The strongest aspect is the language. It filters the world through a beautiful and unique lens. Effective non-linear storytelling. I could feel the author's joy and love for his craft pulsing through it. I almost gave it five stars, but I think there was something missing in the plot which weakened the climax. Nonetheless, I would recommend it.

This was such a funny, interesting book. The relationship between the protagonist and his mother was the biggest hook for me, and honestly the cover feels like it was made for me, personally. 9/10

First let me state that the one star rating is for me. I can imagine others who might be very taken with the novel. Here's why it didn't work for me.

1 - The title and cover somehow made me think that I was in for something lighter. I was ready for something quirky and cozy. What I got was constant, nasty, mean-spirited bickering. It was hard for me to really like anyone in the book. Others might find this amusing. It's not my cup of tea, cover-related pun intended. The background was continual war and strife. Not necessarily a bad thing, educational in fact, but not what I was geared up for.

2 - I guess that in many ways I'm a traditionalist and I like the classic plot structure. I couldn't tell you where the inciting moment was here. The narrative meandered with seemingly little direction. This might be fine for others. I found it frustrating.

3 - I've openly stated in the past that I am a prude. This novel with its staggering f-bomb count and description of nudity and naked activities, well, not for me.

And the book as a whole, well, not for me either.

The Fuck Your Mother phrase over & over, I really did not find humorous & quickly list interest. And it seemed given the title that the rest of the book was on track for supporting that.

Raja’s mother drives him insane. He spends a lot of Rabih Alameddine’s affecting new novel, The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother), telling us so. She insists on her way until he gives in. She makes friends with his students, to his great embarrassment. They argue constantly about everything. Her best friend is a formidable criminal boss. And yet, his actions speak much louder than all those words. It’s clear that Raja dearly loves his infuriating mother, Zalfa.

There are few people Raja likes, let alone loves. Early in this novel, Raja tells us just why he hates his brother so much. Not only did this brother treat Raja horribly for most of his life, he also swindled their mother and made her miserable when she followed the idiot from Beirut to Dubai. When Zalfa returned to Beirut, Raja took her in. He made room in his apartment and his life for his mother; he does his best to make her happy in spite of all their bickering. I was highly entertained by Raja’s exasperation—and was also deeply thankful that I don’t have any relatives like Zalfa.

One would think that two people who can barely talk to each other without starting a fight would be desperate to get away from each other. Commenters on Reddit’s Am I the Asshole forum would be baying for both of them to go no contact and get some therapy. But Raja surprises us by telling us about the two worst things that ever happened to him and how his mother swooped in like an avenging angel to rescue him. As humorous as some of the scenes in The True True Story of Raja the Gullible are, I was very moved by Raja’s story. Raja’s early years were rough. He knew early on that he was gay. He also learned that showing any sign of his sexuality and propensity for drag would be severely punished if word got out. His mother, however, never thought worse of Raja for being gay. In fact, she’s a little miffed that Raja never shared his best makeup tips. Things get downright harrowing for Raja when the Lebanese Civil War starts. I don’t want to say too much more about Raja’s travails because it would ruin the emotional build if I gave away more details.

The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) is another amazing work of storytelling by Rabih Alameddine. This is the third book I’ve read by Alameddine. I’ve come to trust him as a master spinner of tales that resist all my efforts to figure out where things are going. Instead, I know with Alameddine that I should sit back and let the words wash over me. I will be rewarded with deep character development, entangled plots, and a hell of an emotional wallop. This book absolutely delivered all three.

This book, set in Beirut, moves back and forth in time over multiple decades, sharing various sagas in Raja's life. I ordered this book because I was interested in learning more about recent history in Beirut, and I was intrigued by what I knew of Raja's life from the book's description. Alameddine is a masterful storyteller, and in Raja, he has crafted a complex, compelling, and achingly human character. We move back and forth between Raja's current life, sharing a Beirut apartment with his one-of-a-kind mother, and his memories of early childhood, which are dominated by the bullying he experienced as an effeminate boy in a culture and era that valued fierce masculinity. As we move through the book, his past becomes increasingly complex, and we come to better appreciate the dynamics that have shaped who he is today. All of this transpires against the backdrop of Beirut's complex history, the outbreak of war, and post-war life. Alameddine's narrative style is unique, and the storyline does not unfold in the traditional linear pattern. In the first chapter or two, I was unsure if I would want to stick with the book, but I am so glad I did. The book was incredibly satisfying, funny, tragic, and memorable. The writing style was unique, and every character was painted with vivid brushstrokes. I was sorry when the book ended...and that is the true mark of a good read.

There's something irresistibly charming about Raja, the grumpy and occasionally hilarious narrator of Alameddine's novel. As I was reading, I kept trying to latch onto a narrative thread, but once I shook off this approach and allowed myself to fully enjoy the unique voice crafted by the author, I found that I didn’t really care what I was reading about as long as Raja was the one telling the story. And what an unexpected delight his story proved to be! I never could quite guess what was coming next which made The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) a genuinely memorable reading experience.

Zalfa was such a vibrant and tenacious character! I loved the dynamic between Raja and Zalfa which in many ways forms the heart of this novel. My personal favorite part of the story, however, was the section with Boodie, Raja’s charming captor. It was absolute gold. I couldn’t stop laughing despite the somewhat serious nature of the situation. In fact, the entire novel takes place around several very serious situations. There’s the Lebanese Civil War, conflict with Israel, and the terrible treatment that Raja receives on a personal level, yet the author balances these issues with this pleasing air of realistic absurdity that I couldn’t get enough! Alameddine’s book is hilarious, informative, and occasionally heartbreaking, but highly memorable.

interesting, well written literary story about some interesting people with some interesting vibes. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Being mainly a fantasy and horror reader, "The true story of Raja the gullible (and his mother)" was a little bit outside by usual comfort zone. But I was really curious. Both the title and the cover, as well as the backcover.
What a ride it was! All set in memories or almost, reminiscences and dry humour.

Funny, hard at times, filled with life and love. We follow Raja throughout his life, in Lebanon, through hardships and change, hopes and adaptations. The tone is quite dry and helps shield against how horrendous it is a times, without falling into the trap of mitigating the horror so much it becomes disrespectful.
I liked Raja, how he protected himself. His mother is something else, loud and bosterous (not unlike Raja in the end, though he would not realise it). Raja's captivity by Boodie was intense, in all sense of the world. Seeing how he deals (or not) with it, the consequences of those months on him and his mother (finally acting with the hidden strength she has), was joyous and hard. Every relationships have a touch of wildness and care I deeply enjoyed.

Nice read, outside my realm of experience, with marvelous insight into Lebanon complex life and its inhabitants.

"The True True Story of Raja the Gullible" is a challenging yet hilarious read, chronicling the protagonist Raja's life in tumultuous Lebanon, as well as his complex yet loving relationship with his mother. Alameddine injects a dryly humorous voice that shines through the story of Raja's triumphs and struggles especially as a gay man in Lebanon's times of war, economic downturn, Covid, and the port explosion. I also enjoy reading about his friends, foes and family, and his oft complex relationships with them all. The ending is a lovely surprise, though a tad overdone in my opinion. Overall, this is a good read for those okay with a dose of reality and real, gritty life, all told through a memorable voice.

*Many thanks to the Grove Atlantic and netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Rabih Alameddine knocks it out of the park with this wickedly dark and comedic slice of life. The main character's story is told in various stages of his life, tied to disastrous events in his home city of Beirut. Raja himself may be something of a milquetoast, but his mother Zalfa shines through this story as a hilarious, 80-something agent of chaos. The banter is incredible. Absolutely one of my favorite tropes is old grandmas who curse like sailors (See: Avasarala of the Expanse series). Alameddine truly captures the complex, love-hate dynamic many feel toward Lebanon, its chaos, beauty, contradictions, and the way its people both undermine and uplift one another.
After this story, I highly recommend a bout of therapy for Raja.

The addition of “(and His Mother)” in the title of this book is important, because Raja’s mother Zalfa is almost a more colorful character than Raja himself. The relationship between the two is certainly vivid, something that pulses throughout the pages. I loved getting to know both characters and how they were shaped by Beirut’s history, their friends (and enemies?) and each other. Raja is a beloved high school teacher, widely known and accepted as homosexual. It is his experiences as a captive of Boodie’s during Beirut’s civil war that stick out most from the narrative for me. Likewise, Raja’s mother’s relationship with her friend Madame Taweel is key to her story. It’s the way in which these one-off characters were so expertly defined and drawn that make this a special book imo. Author Alameddine’s book “An Unnecessary Woman” has long been on my TBR list. After my experience with this book, I’m now more likely to finally read this earlier book.

Much thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with an e-ARC of this title.

It's been quite a while since I have read a work from the author so I was looking forward to this one. This is an interesting story laced with humor (which I don't recall as much in the previous works) and kept me engaged throughout

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).