NPR's Book of the Day In Rabih Alameddine’s new novel, a mother and son share a tiny Beirut apartment
Dec 29, 2025
Rabih Alameddine, a Lebanese-American novelist and painter, discusses his latest work, exploring the intricate bond between a mother, Zalfa, and her son, Raja, who teaches philosophy while navigating their shared life in a tiny Beirut apartment. He reflects on Raja's self-deprecating humor, the affectionate language between them, and Zalfa's intimate connection with another woman. Alameddine also addresses his mother's memory loss and how everyday experiences shape his storytelling, emphasizing the power of humor to connect and heal.
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Self-Deprecation As Emotional Armor
- Raja's self-deprecation is a deliberate defense mechanism that keeps him sane.
- Rabih Alameddine says the narrator uses humble labels to manage identity and vulnerability.
* seems to make listeners laugh despite its bluntness.*
- Rabih Alameddine reads a recurring phrase his mother says which mixes affection and shock.
- The line
Different Kinds Of Intimacy Matter
- Intimacy in the novel is plural and includes companionship that fully listens.
- Alameddine highlights that Madame Tewil and Zalfa see each other nearly completely in late-life partnership.