Winner of this year’s National Book Award, The True Story of Raja the Gullible is the story of Raja, a gay man living for the most part in Beirut and teaching philosophy at a private, exclusive coed school. When Raja’s mother moves in with him, she causes havoc to his once peaceful and quiet life. Raja’s rendering of his life from 1960-2023 reflects the history of Beirut at that time as well. Blending tragedy and comedy, Alameddine subtly tells a tale of a man, his city and his country.

Rabib Alameddine’s semi autobiographical work is enjoyable, informative, and well-written. It is funny, sad and frightening. But is The True Story of Raja the Gullible the best book of the year? I don’t think so.