Dearborn – Ghassan Zeineddine
Expectation: A “city as the sole connection” collection that reads more like a wannabe novel.
Reality: A sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreak collection about the new American experience that succeeds thanks to its subtlety. There are no bad apples in the bunch.
My Take:
While “Dearborn” is first and foremost a book that spotlights the experiences of Middle Eastern residents in the “mini-Lebanon” hamlet outside of Detroit, it is also incredibly Midwestern, celebrating — and lamenting — the regions’ history as a resettlement for immigrants, many fleeing war or persecution.
To some readers, the Midwest may not scream culturally diverse or welcoming, but as Ghassan Zeineddine explores over 10 short stories, the values we deem “American” — religion, perseverance and kinship — are not owned by a single group.
That’s not to say life is perfect for these transplants and their first generations. Our characters struggle with various anxieties — from navigating a post-9/11 world as a Muslim to finances, relationships, ambition and identity — many rooted in trying to retain a culture in a country that would prefer they didn’t.
This dichotomy of acceptance and resistance — both within the Dearborn Muslim community and amongst non-Muslim neighbors — gives Zeineddine ample ground to spotlight a version of new American life that is often told in a specific way.
Through a mixture of slice-of-life stories and full-life arcs, the author explores cultural nuances while never veering into melodrama. While some stories were stronger than others, there wasn’t a single one I didn’t think was worth the time.
Many short story collections rely on a quirky concept or overwrought emotion to connect with readers, but Zeineddine showed subtlety is a strength too. I loved the way he connected some of the characters together, showing that the scale and scope of his storytelling can likely extend beyond this format.
This is an impressive debut that heralds the arrival of an author that will be one to watch. The standouts:
Speedoman - a speedo-clad newcomer at the community center disrupts marital routines, sparking both attraction and jealousy with his Lebanese-influenced swimwear. A lighthearted premise that cleverly unmasks relationship monotony.
Marseille - essentially a re-imaging of the film “Titanic” and just as captivating and heartbreaking. My favorite story in the collection.
Zizou’s Voice - despite achieving success as a voice actor, Zizou grapples with the unfulfilled desire of becoming a writer. A story that will resonate with anyone who's ever chased a dream.
Yusra - a butcher in his sixties finds unexpected freedom exploring his gender identity as a woman under a niqab. Interesting discussion about the systems some may view as oppressive actually providing freedom.
Rabbit Stew - while the violent ending (trigger warning: animal death) is jarring, it’s a captivating story about family mythmaking and the dangers in idolizing others.
Sarab Kamoo and Qarie Marshall do such a fantastic job bringing fresh perspective to each story that I was surprised this wasn’t narrated by a full cast. Thank you to Libro.fm, Dreamscape Media and the author for a free copy of the audiobook. This exchange of goods did not influence my review.
Rating (story): 4/5 stars
Rating (narration): 4/5 stars
Format: Audiobook (personal library)
Dates read: March 31 – April 4, 2024
Multi-tasking: Good to go. The writing and stories are easy to follow, but pay close attention or you’ll miss the subtle threads Zeineddine uses to connect the characters.
