So You Want to Read Arab-American Literature

For many, Arab-American literature offers a personal window into the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and experiences of Arab-Americans not readily accessible in American popular culture. The scope of Arabic literature has broadened significantly in recent years to include the diversity of various Arab backgrounds and the intersectionality of the Arab identity with race, gender, and sexuality.

This article is divided into three categories: immigrant narratives that tackle the challenges and opportunities faced by Arab immigrants and their descendants in the United States; the intersection of Arab-American identities with cultural, religious, racial, and gender identities and the search for self-acceptance; and historical fiction that offers insights into Arab-American history. Though these three subgenres only offer a glimpse into the vastness of Arab-American literature today, they provide a window into the multifaceted narratives that help to portray authentic Arab-American identity in the popular imagination.

Immigrant Narratives

“Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid

A young couple, Saeed and Nadia, are forced to flee their home due to political turmoil and civil war. The two are forced to navigate a network of magical doors that take them to various places across the globe as they are presented with new dangers and losses that reshape their identities. After the death of his father, Saeed finds comfort in his unnamed faith as Nadia discovers she must leave Saeed to embrace her sexual identity. Personally my favorite book on this list, this book confronts the complexities of love and identity in a raw confrontation of racism, xenophobia, and loss in a way that tugs at one’s heartstrings like nothing else.

“The Map of Salt and Stars” by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar

A modern-day Syrian refugee and a medieval explorer who live 800 years apart from each other navigate treacherous landscapes and confront loss, love, and the search for belonging. As Nour is forced to flee her home in contemporary Syria, she finds solace in the stories of Rawiya, a girl from medieval Syria who disguises herself as a boy to apprentice under a famous mapmaker. “The Map of Salt and Stars” explores themes of displacement, identity, and the power of storytelling to transcend time and space. Through parallel narratives of Nour and Rawiya, this novel offers a poignant reflection on the enduring spirit of the Arab diaspora in the face of overwhelming adversity. “The Map of Salt and Stars” not only sheds light on the struggles faced by refugees like Nour, but also celebrates the rich history and culture of the Arab world. For anyone looking to learn more about the story of Arab American immigrants, “The Map of Salt and Stars” should be at the top of your list.

Intersecting Identities

“The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf” by Mohja Kahf

“The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf” follows a young Syrian-American Muslim girl growing up in Indiana in the 1970s and 1980s. The story traces Khadra’s struggles navigating the complexities of being Muslim in a predominantly Christian community and the expectations placed upon her by her conservative parents. As Khadra grows older, she begins to explore the history and traditions of her family’s homeland, and she finds solace in her faith and community. The novel explores themes of cultural identity, religion, feminism, and the immigrant experience in America. This novel resonates with authenticity and relevance, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the struggles Arab-Americans face.

“An Unnecessary Woman" by Rabih Alameddine

Aaliya is a fiercely independent and intelligent elderly woman who has spent her whole life translating books into Arabic. Set against the backdrop of Beirut’s tumultuous history, “An Unnecessary Woman” delves into Aaliya’s memories and her reflections on literature as she grapples with the passage of time and challenges the ghosts of her past. As Aaliya confronts her strained relationship with her family and her own feelings of inadequacy, she finds solace and purpose in her love for literature. Through Aaliya’s musings on literature and her translations, the reader finds insight into the broader cultural and political landscape of Lebanon and the power of literature to illuminate the human experience.

Historical Fiction

"The Hakawati" by Rabih Alameddine

Osama al-Kharrat is a Lebanese-American man who returns to Beirut after his father falls into a coma and grapples with his father’s impending death. He reflects on his own past and the stories he grew up hearing from his grandfather — a hakawati, a traditional storyteller in the Arab world. These stories form a kaleidoscope of mythology, history, and personal anecdotes that give the reader a beautiful window into Lebanese culture and identity. In today’s world where cultural understanding and dialogue are more important than ever, “The Hakawati” serves as an ever so important bridge to understanding Lebanese culture.

“The Parisian" by Isabella Hammad

“The Parisian” follows the story of Midhat Kamal, a young Palestinian man who travels to France in 1914 to study medicine. As Midhat navigates the hostile politics of early 20th century France, his experiences are interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, which forces him to return to Palestine. Back in Palestine, Midhat is caught between his desire for independence and his family’s expectations. Struggling to find his place in the world, Midhat becomes increasingly involved in the nationalist movement sweeping the region. Amidst the backdrop of conflict occurring in the Middle East today, “The Parisian” remains ever so important as a nuanced and humanizing exploration of political upheaval.

—Staff writer Wonjae Suh can be reached at wonjae.suh@thecrimson.com.