Massoud Hayoun is a journalist whose work delves into the complexities of multiculturalism and global perspectives. He brings a unique linguistic fluency to his reporting, allowing him to explore the intricate ways cultures intersect and shape identity in our interconnected world. His approach offers readers a nuanced understanding of diverse experiences and the shared human condition.
"A vivid account of Massoud Hayoun's grandparents' lives in Egypt, Tunisia, France, Palestine, and Los Angeles, in which he reclaims his family's Jewish Arab identity"--Publisher's description.
Sam Saadoun, a closeted Jewish-Arab from Los Angeles, travels to Beijing to study. He is in pursuit of a romantic gay dream, desperate to escape the United States. When he arrives he is harassed by shadowy characters. All the while a disturbing murder mystery is unfolding in the halls of the university's most curious building.
Set against the backdrop of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, the story follows Sam Saadoun as he navigates his final night with a lover, only to be transported back to 1930s Alexandria, Egypt. Blending biting satire and deep melancholy, the narrative explores themes of longing, love, and lust within the context of the Arab world and North African diaspora. With rich imagery and a unique perspective, it serves as a captivating conclusion to the Ghorba Ghost Story Series, reflecting on the political and emotional landscapes that shape identity and belonging.